As Holy Week draws near, the Diocese of Parramatta invites everyone to a deeply moving and sacred experience at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta – the Office of Tenebrae.
On Monday 14 March at 7.30pm, the Cathedral will host the cherished years-old tradition that marks the solemn approach of Easter.
This ancient service, which means “shadows” or “darkness” in Latin, is one of the most profound expressions of the Christian journey through Holy Week.
Tenebrae invites the faithful into a space of prayer, reflection, and deep meditation, as the service unfolds with the gradual extinguishing of candles to symbolise the growing darkness surrounding Christ’s Passion. Light by light, the congregation falls into an enveloping darkness.
The renowned St Patrick’s Cathedral Choir will lead the service with its transcendent music – a classical soundtrack to this solemn occasion.
Led by Bernard Kirkpatrick, Director of Music at St Patrick’s Cathedral, and a talented ensemble, the choir will perform powerful polyphonic responsories, including Ne irascaris by William Byrd, Inter vestibulum ad altar by Cristóbal de Morales, and a modern setting of the Reproaches by John Sanders.
Their voices, known for their richness and spiritual depth, will guide the congregation through the deeply prayerful experience of the Office of Tenebrae as we reflect on the suffering and death of Christ.
The congregation is warmly invited to join in with the chanting of the psalms, listen to passages from Scripture and sacred writings, and meditate in prayerful reflection.
As the Tenebrae service reaches its dramatic conclusion, the assembly will take part in the ancient ritual of strepitus, a loud noise made by stamping feet, which symbolises the earthquake that followed Christ’s death.
The service ends with the return of the Christ-light, the final candle that illuminates the Cathedral, reminding all of the hope that comes with Christ’s Resurrection.
Music lovers and faithful alike – come, experience the beauty of Tenebrae, and let the music, silence and light speak within your soul.
To find out more about the Office of Tenebrae, visit the Events page on the Diocese of Parramatta website. For information on the St Patrick’s Cathedral music ministry, visit the Cathedral website or view their Youtube channel.
