Office of Tenebrae

Tenebrae has its roots in medieval monasticism.  It is a sung, choral liturgy.  The word Tenebrae means shadows. It is characterized by the chanting of the Lamentations, gradual extinguishing of candles, and by a “strepetus” or loud noise taking place in total darkness.  All of this is done in preparation for the triduum of Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil.