Posted April 1, 2022

A Lenten Tenebrae service will be held Tuesday, April 12 at 7:30 p.m., in person and via livestream video, at St. Joseph Church, Aston.

Tenebrae (Latin for “darkness”) was originally a medieval practice in the Catholic Church. The modern version of the ritual consists of a prayer service with spiritual readings and songs.

This is an opportunity to observe the solemn content of the liturgical Matins and Lauds in a meditatively dramatic setting.

With emphasis on the contrast between the darkness of Christ’s suffering and death and the brilliance of Easter glory, light plays a large part in the presentation. Candles are gradually extinguished and, with the church in total darkness, a symbolic representation of the earthquake that followed Christ’s death sounds.

To conclude the service, the Christ candle is brought to the altar, signifying the return of Christ to the world in his resurrection.

Use the livestream link to join virtually, or participate in person at St. Joseph Church, 3255 Concord Road, Aston, Delaware County.