Holy Week offers many powerful liturgical experiences, but few carry the unique emotional and spiritual depth of the Office of Tenebrae.
On Monday, 14 April 2025, St Patrick’s Cathedral in Parramatta hosted this ancient service, drawing a diverse group of attendees into its rich, contemplative tradition.
Tenebrae might initially seem like a distant monastic rite – steeped in symbolism but removed from contemporary spiritual life. Yet within the walls of the Cathedral, its impact was immediate and profound, providing a deeply moving encounter with the Passion of Christ.
The Cathedral, quiet and solemn, was illuminated by fifteen candles arranged on the “hearse” – a tall, triangular candelabra placed prominently at the heart of the sanctuary.
Office of Tenebrae at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta on 14 April 2025. Images: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
As attendees arrived – some for the first time, others returning year after year – a quiet anticipation filled the space. Greetings were exchanged, stories shared, and a sense of communal reverence settled in.
Among those present were religious sisters from across the Diocese. Sr Maureen Stempko CSFN of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth travelled from Plumpton with her community. She recalled her first encounter with Tenebrae during a mountain retreat, describing it as a moment of intimate prayer and reflection.
“When you leave in silence, you kind of take that silence with you,” she said.
“Watching the candles go out one after another … it kind of takes you a little bit deeper each time.”
Also in attendance were the Missionary Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of the World (Australia CMR) from Granville, members of Mary’s Little Children Community from Rooty Hill, and the Secular Institute of the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary ISSM from Mulgoa – illustrating the breadth of interest in this liturgical tradition across the Diocese.
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv. Bishop of Parramatta at the Office of Tenebrae at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta on 14 April 2025. Images: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
About Tenebrae
The word Tenebrae means “darkness” or “shadows” in Latin, evoking the tone of the service. Historically, it combined the Offices of Matins and Lauds during the final three days of Holy Week, marking the transition from light to darkness as a symbol of Christ’s Passion and death.
The service began with the Cathedral being fully lit as Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv entered with clergy, including Fr Robert Riedling, Dean of St Patrick’s Cathedral; Fr Peter Williams, Vicar General; and Fr Tom Green, Assistant Priest at St Patrick’s Cathedral.
Deacon David Dowling and seminarians from Holy Spirit Seminary Harris Park served during the liturgy while cantors Bernard Kirkpatrick, Director of Music; and Eric Grella, Assistant Director of Music, led the stunning Cathedral Choir.
The Cathedral’s service followed a traditional structure of three nocturns, featuring the chanting of Lamentations by a schola, each passage introduced by a Hebrew letter – Heth, Teth, Jod – through the sacred space.
As the service unfolded, the Cathedral gradually darkened. Scripture readings, prayers, and music from the 16th century – including works by William Byrd and Cristóbal de Morales – drew the congregation into solemn reflection. With each extinguished candle, the depth of Christ’s suffering was brought into sharper focus.
Eric Grella, Assistant Director of Music. Images: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
Thunder in the Dark
The most striking moment came with the strepitus – a loud, thunderous noise symbolising the earthquake following Christ’s death.
“And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it.” (Matthew 28:2).
The entire congregation joined in, creating a rumble through stomping and tapping on the pews. The sound was raw, echoing the spiritual rupture of the moment.
In silence, the final candle was removed, leaving the Cathedral in complete darkness. Only after the chanting of the Benedictus, the Canticle of Zechariah, was the light returned – subtle yet powerful, marking the promise of resurrection amid sorrow.
This liturgy offered a profound invitation to slow down, listen deeply, and reflect on the mystery of the Cross. With its solemn beauty and timeless symbolism, Tenebrae continues to resonate across centuries, drawing worshippers into a sacred encounter with the heart of Holy Week.
For those seeking a meaningful Lenten experience, Tenebrae offers a powerful blend of music, scripture, silence, and communal prayer that lingers long after the candles are extinguished.
View the photo gallery below or on Flickr.
