Tenebrae

Archbishop Sample will preside at the Tenebrae Service at 6:00 PM at St. Mary’s Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (1716 NW Davis St., Portland, OR).

Tenebrae is a distinctive and somber liturgy of Holy Week marked by a darkened church, solemn chant, and the gradual extinguishing of candles. It combines Matins and Lauds of the Divine Office for the final three days before Easter, traditionally celebrated at night so the service ends in near-total darkness.

During the service, fifteen candles on the Tenebrae hearse are extinguished one by one after each psalm, symbolizing Christ’s abandonment and the growing darkness of the Passion. The final candle, representing Christ, is hidden from view, recalling His burial, and a loud noise evokes the earthquake at the Crucifixion. The liturgy ends abruptly and in silence, leaving the faithful with a powerful meditation on the sorrow of the Lord’s Passion.