Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
This is a form of the ancient cycle of office prayers that has been adapted for congregational use. This service is centered around psalms, readings and responsories. A set of 15 candles, placed in a triangular holder are featured prominently with one being extinguished after each Psalm. Tenebrae, Latin for “darkness,” is prayed as the candles in the cathedral are extinguished one by one. The center candle represents Christ, which, toward the end of the service, is taken away and hidden, afterward, a loud noise echoes, symbolizing the earthquake that happened at the moment of death. The Christ candle is then returned and the congregation leaves in silence. Sung by the Cathedral Choir.
This is a form of the ancient cycle of office prayers that has been adapted for congregational use. This service is centered around psalms, readings and responsories. A set of 15 candles, placed in a triangular holder are featured prominently with one being extinguished after each Psalm. Tenebrae, Latin for “darkness,” is prayed as the candles in the cathedral are extinguished one by one. The center candle represents Christ, which, toward the end of the service, is taken away and hidden, afterward, a loud noise echoes, symbolizing the earthquake that happened at the moment of death. The Christ candle is then returned and the congregation leaves in silence. Sung by the Cathedral Choir.
