Come and join the Msgr. James E. Collins Memorial Choir of St. Dominic Church in Oyster Bay for the Tenebrae Service on Holy Wednesday, March 31 at 7:30 PM at St. Dominic Chapel. What is a Tenebrae Service? It is an ancient liturgy. Tenebrae is a latin word for shadow or darkness. According to St. Dominic Church bulletin, "Tenebrae is a dramatic way of tracing out progressively the struggles between the dark forces of sin and death that seems to extinguish the Light of the World. The evocative setting of St. Dominic Chapel, the candles, the readings from the passion story by the lectors and contemplative sacred music from the choir will make the evening a memorable start for the parish's Holy Week journey."
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, 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, 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 assigned reading, 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 assigned reading, 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.
It follows the sequence until the priest says the final prayer and the middle light of the candelabra is extinguished and total darkness sets in the chapel. 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 © 2010. By Rosalinda Morgan, "The Rose Lady". All rights reserved.. *TENEBRAE SERVICE - THE EMOTIONAL STORY OF THE PASSION OF CHRIST*
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
