Extinguishing lights and a great big bang: the ancient sights and sounds of the pre-Easter tenebrae service

The Triduum at Home: a Tenebrae Service - Catholic All Year

Tenebrae, meaning “darkness” or “shadows” in Latin, is the sung prayer from the church office of readings, usually celebrated on Good Friday. As the dusk turns into darkness, the only light we have is from the candle-lit chapel — signifying the light of Christ. All seems lost in the death of Christ. Yet, we know that with dawn comes great rejoicing in the Resurrection. “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Jo

Carlo Gesualdo - Tenebrae Responsoria per il sabato santo, nr.6 lyrics