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.The Office is made up of psalms, lessons and readings, and sung responses. Here, the sisters sing one of the responses in Gregorian chant.Tenebrae for Good FridayA canon chants one of the lessonsTenebrae for Holy SaturdayThe office of lauds concludes with the Benedictus, during which the six altar candles are progressively extinguished, as well as the lights of the church.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.
