The word Tenebrae is Latin for “shadows” or “darkness.” It can also be translated as “night” or “death,” and for this reason is often known as the “Service of Shadows.” Our Tenebrae service includes seven readings of the trial, sentencing, execution, death and burial of Jesus. After each segment of the story is read, a candle is extinguished. The extinguishing of the last candle indicating the effect of the death of Jesus on the universe.

Afterwards, we reflect on Paul’s words to the Philippians: “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.” Phil. 3:10-11