03/16/2026
"What is “tenebrae"?
Tenebrae is Latin for darkness. The Tenebrae service which precedes Holy Week is an ancient ritual handed down through the ages, which signifies Christ our Light leaving us for a time and returning from death in the service of light, the Great Easter Vigil
The service begins in a dimly lit church. On the altar are six identical lit candles, and between them a larger Christ-candle. The service ministers enter in silence and take their places in the sanctuary. Each candle is extinguished as the service continues with alternating choral pieces and sacred readings, until the church is enveloped in complete darkness, but for the single Christ candle, which is ceremoniously removed from the altar at the apex of the service. The attendants leave in silence.
On Wednesday, March 18, 2005, at 8PM, St Rose of Lima Church, 16 McLean Street, Freehold will host a Tenebrae Service, featuring the St. Rose of Lima adult choir under the direction of Esther Nam.
This contemplative and meaningful service which will help prepare congregants for the mysteries of Holy Week, will be complemented by the diverse repertoire of the choir. The choir has prepared a varied program, many performed a ca****la, including compositions from Allegri, Lotti, Barber and Byrd among others. These are some of our most challenging and relevant choral pieces and make Tenebrae a truly special event, not to be missed.
If you haven't been to Tenebrae, we would like to invite you to this beautiful, moving service, which will surely enrich your Lenten observance and prepare you more fully for the events of Holy Week."
