Thursday, March 20, 2008

Tenebrae

Last night we went to the Tenebrae service at St. John Cantius. It was really beautiful, I'm so glad Ma Beck wrote about it on her blog a few weeks ago.

We weren't entirely sure we were going to be able to make it because it lasted 3 hours, but it actually wasn't too bad. The whole time I was there I was thinking about this really great blog entry I would have and now that I have to write it I'm not quite sure what to say about it. I just don't have to words to describe the night.

As usual the church was beautiful, even with most of the art in the church covered up for Holy Week.

Holy Week at St. John Cantius

One of the amazing things about that church is that even the basement has impressive art.

The Holy Family

Donkey

I'm really not sure why I took this picture, I just sort of like donkeys.

St. Agnes

Sacred Heart Painting

Carrying the Cross

Jesus

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Tenebrae Candles

The beginning starts out with all of the candles lit and as each Psalm is read one of the brown candles is extinguished until the end where only the one white candle remains.



In between some of the Psalms the choir would sing. Honestly, I wasn't exactly sure part of the time what they were singing, but it was beautiful.



I didn't record any of it, but the singing of the Miserere mei, Deus... wow.

At the end the whole church is dark and the one candle is taken away. A final prayer is read (I can't remember the name of it for the life of me) and then the whole church makes noise, by banging on the pews, floor, or other means available - symbolizing the earthquake that followed the death of Jesus. The remaining candle is returned and everyone leaves in silence.

3 comments:

Cathy said...

About halfway through, I was thinking, "I'll bet Sunny is ready to KILL me."
;)

Nice videos and pictures - thanks!

I'll post the Miserere Mei (and the Christus Factus Est from right before it) soon.

Cathy said...

P.S.

I hope you guys might make the Easter High Mass. (But I totally understand if you can't.)

It's beautiful and a REGULARLY-TIMED event!

:)

catholicandgop said...

I wouldn't mind going, but we're going to be in Wisconsin for the weekend. Maybe next year. :)

The only problem I had was I couldn't figure out what the choir was singing most of the time.

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Catholic and politically conservative, I graduated with a BA in History (concentration in American) and Political Science. I'm between two parishes; one in Wisconsin that is fairly traditional, and one in Illinois that is fairly liberal. I teach CCD. I work in the food service industry, which basically means I'm working in fast food until I find a better job. I'd like to work for the church somehow. Right now I'm working on getting my teaching certification, although I'm unsure thats the correct path for me. This blog is as random as I am. I hope you enjoy.