Tenebrae factae sunt – there was darkness. Tenebrae is a dramatic three-part liturgy for Holy Week, consisting of sung Psalms, Lessons and Responsories – narrative reflections on the lessons. Taking place on the Eves of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday respectively, it is common to begin as daylight is fading, concluding in the thick of night.
The church is lit by 15 candles, representing Christ, the three Marys and eleven disciples. Fourteen are extinguished during the service, leaving just the Christ candle, which, still alight, is hidden behind the altar. In almost total darkness, the service ends with a strepitus, a “great noise”, perhaps imitating the earthquake that followed Christ’s death.
