Tonight, I sang with the choir at the Tenebrae service at St. Dominic Church in Oyster Bay. What is a Tenebrae Service? It is a Service of the Shadows. Tenebrae is a latin word for shadow. It is the most moving service of the Holy Week. The purpose of the Tenebrae service is to recreate the passion story. The story is left unfinished because it is not over till Easter Day.
The first time I joined the choir and we sang at the Tenebrae service, I found it so emotional. It is my favorite service. It is also a very short service. It starts with seven candles on the altar.
The first reader reads the assigned reading which is "The Betrayal", then extinguishes the candle on the extreme right of the candelabra. At the same time, the lights on one section of the church are turned off. Then the choir sings.
The second reader reads the next reading which is "Agony in Gethsemane", extinguishes the candle on the extreme left of the candelabra. At the same time, the lights on another section of the church are turned off. The Choir sings.
The third reader reads "The Arrest", extinguishes the next candle on the right of the candelabra. At the same time, the lights on another section of the church are turned off. The Choir sings.
The fourth reader reads "The Denial", extinguishes the next candle on the left of the candelabra. At the same time, the lights on another section of the church are turned off. The Choir sings.
The fifth reader reads "The Trial", extinguishes the next candle on the right of the candelabra. At the same time, the lights on another section of the church are turned off. The Choir sings.
The sixth reader reads "The Crucifixion", extinguishes the next candle on the left of the candelabra. At the same time, the lights on another section of the church are turned off. The Choir sings.
PIETA By Tom Kendzia
Come and See, what I have done: I've given My only Son.
He lived for you, and He died for you.
Come and See.
Lamb of God, Lamb of God, have mercy on us, forgive us, Lord.
Come and See, what I have done: I've given My only Son.
He lived for you, and He died for you.
Come and See.
Creator of Love, source of all life, have mercy on us, forgive us Lord.
Come and See, what I have done: I've given My only Son.
He lived for you, and He died for you.
Come and See.
Then the priest say a final prayer, extinguishes the next candle on the center of the candelabra. At the same time, the lights on another section of the church are turned off. By this time the whole church is in total darkness. At this point, the service ends. There is no benediction. After a moment of silence, a very dim light is turned on so the congregation can see to leave. They all leave in silence.
Copyright © 2009. By Rosalinda Morgan, "The Rose Lady". All rights reserved.. *TENEBRAE SERVICE - THE MOST MOVING SERVICE OF THE HOLY WEEK*
If you are interested in selling or buying a home in East Norwich, Oyster Bay, Oyster Bay Cove, Brookville, Muttontown, Syosset, Laurel Hollow, Bayville, Centre Island and Mill Neck, please contact Rosalinda Morgan, "The Rose Lady".
Ph - 516-385-0584
Email - linda@rosalindamorgan.com
Website - www.rosalindamorgan.com
