Tenebrae (Solemn Shadows)Service

Join us at 7:00 PM Wednesday, March 31, 2021 for this special service during Holy Week at Champion Shrine, the solemn shadows service known as “Tenebrae”.

From Kendra Tierney, author, Catholic All Year: Latin for “darkness,” Tenebrae is a religious service particular to the Triduum, and featuring a unique triangular candelabra called a “hearse.” In it are fifteen candles, fourteen darker natural wax candles and one white candle. The fourteen candles represent Jesus’ followers, the white candle represents Jesus. Fifteen readings are proclaimed, after each of which one of the candles in the hearse is extinguished, symbolizing Jesus’ followers abandoning him one by one. At the end, just the white Christ candle is left burning, and it is hidden. The services end with a “strepitus” or “loud noise” made by slamming a book shut or stomping on the floor, symbolizing the earthquake that followed Christ’s death. This takes place in total darkness. Then the last candle is returned, representing the light of Christ returning.

https://catholicallyear.com/blog/the-triduum-at-home-a-tenebrae-service/