Tenebrae Service at St. Alphonsus Church, Ocean Springs

Tenebrae is Latin for ͞darkness͟. On Holy Thursday night, we offer the service of Tenebrae using psalms and Lamentations, and the gradual extinguishing of candles to commemorate the passion and death of our Lord. Imagine how his friends felt: Frightened, confused, and probably even questioning their faith in him. When one lit candle remains, the light of Christ, we hide that light to symbolize the darkness of the world and the apparent victory of the forces of evil. At the end, a loud noise occurs to symbolize the convulsion of nature over the death of Jesus. Then, the candle returns, signifying Christ's victory over evil. All depart in silence. Tenebrae is Latin for ͞darkness͟. On Holy Thursday night, we offer the service of Tenebrae using psalms and Lamentations, and the gradual extinguishing of candles to commemorate the passion and death of our Lord. Imagine how his friends felt: Frightened, confused, and probably even questioning their faith in him. When one lit candle remains, the light of Christ, we hide that light to symbolize the darkness of the world and the apparent victory of the forces of evil. At the end, a loud noise occurs to symbolize the convulsion of nature over the death of Jesus. Then, the candle returns, signifying Christ͛s victory over evil. All depart in silence.