A servant takes the remaining candle and holds it behind the altar. There is a loud commotion, representing the chaos of nature after Our Lord’s death. The candle is blown out, and all depart in silence.The office of lauds concludes with the Benedictus, during which the six altar candles are progressively extinguished, as well as the lights of the church.Tenebrae for Holy SaturdayA canon chants one of the lessonsTenebrae for Good FridayThe Office is made up of psalms, lessons and readings, and sung responses. Here, the sisters sing one of the responses in Gregorian chant.During the Holy Triduum, the night office of matins and the morning office of lauds have a special liturgy, called Tenebrae. Here, the office is anticipated and is celebrated on the preceding evening.
A triangular structure, called a hearse, has fifteen candles. One candle is extinguished at the end of each psalm.
