Tenebrae (“shadows” or “darkness”) is a Holy Week service that is at least 1,000 years old. Originally held in after midnight but later held at a variety of times, Tenebrae would be sung each day of the Triduum in a church lit only by 15 candles. These were extinguished one by one until the church was left in darkness.

At that point, a loud noise (“strepitus”) would be produced – sometimes by slamming a hymnal or other book shut, sometimes by stomping on the floor – symbolizing the earthquake after Christ’s death.

Like the “lessons and carols” services familiar at Christmas, Tenebrae consists of hymns and readings, the ones proper to Lauds and Matins for the days of the Triduum. Until the mid-1950s, when the Easter Vigil had been revived, nearly every parish in the United States sung Tenebrae on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. Today, churches with Tenebrae services usually sing them once, on a Lenten evening – not necessarily during the Triduum.

Cathedral of St. Peter in Chains
April 1, 7:30
The Cathedral Choir will sing for this very popular annual event, come early for best parking and seating.

Sacred Heart McCartyville
April 1, 7:00 p.m.

St. Bernard Burkettsville
April 1, 7:30 p.m.

St. Gertrude Madeira
April 1, 8:00 p.m.

St. John the Baptist, Dry Ridge
April 1, 7:00 p.m.

St. Robert Bellarmine
Xavier University Campus
April 1, 7:30 p.m.

Old St. Mary’s, Over-the-Rhine
Good Friday April 3, 6:30 p.m.

Holy Family Dayton
Holy Saturday April 4 at 7:00 a.m.