Dear Postcards from New York Reader,
It last only an hour, the prayers and readings of Tenebrae sung in Gregorian chant, but memories of the hour will linger with you for months, perhaps longer.
Tapered candles aflame with flickering lights in six foot candle holders prominently displayed on the high altar or presented in an impressive free standing candelabra (a hearse) at the altar entrance, immediately captures ones attention. Intermittently, between the chanting of psalms, Old and New Testament readings and writings of the Fathers in Latin by soloists and a choir of young men, one by one candles will be extinguished and the lights of the Church turned off.
When the last candle is snuffed out, a loud crashing noise meant to symbolize the earthquake that followed upon Christ’s death, shatters the quiet attention of the congregation. The Church is in complete darkness as the assembly bundles up and departs in silence. It is rare to hear any voices, not even muffled whispers as people solemnly exit.
Tenebrae, a prelude to celebrate the Lord’s Passion (Sacred Triduum--Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday/the Vigil of Easter), signals the “light of the world” leaving the world. It is a medieval service celebrated on the eve or mornings of these three days. Tonight is the eve of Holy Thursday. Tomorrow the door of the tabernacle will visibly be left wide open after the Eucharist is removed.
In recent years, the resurgence of the Latin Mass has stimulated interest and participation in near extinct practices like the Liturgy of the Hours and Tenebrae. There are now several places where you can experience the timeless beauty of Gregorian Chant, (some of the oldest music that exists) just as it was sung by cloistered monks in the 7th and 8th century.
Have a Happy Easter!
Jacqueline Cable
For Postcards from New York
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Addresses and Directions to Remember:
St. Agnes Church, 143 East 43rd St., New York, NY 10017, 212-370-5791. From Times Square MTA 7 or S to Grand Central, walk one block east to Lexington Ave, then one block north to 43rd. St.
The Church of the Holy Innocents, 128 West 37th St., New York, NY 10018, 212-279-5861. From Times Square MTA N, R, Q, W to 34th St., walk west to Broadway, then north to 37th St.
St. Patrick's Cathedral, 5th Avenue and 50th St, New York, NY 10022, 212-753-2261, http://www.saintpatrickscathedral.org/. From Times Square MTA 7 or S to Grand Central, 6 to 51st St., walk west 3 blocks to 5th Ave.
St. Jean Baptiste Church, 184 East 76th St., New York, NY, 212-288-5082. MTA 7 or S to Grand Central, 6 to 77th St., walk one block south on Lexington to 76th St.
Photo courtesy of Manhattan Jewish Experience
© Copyright 2007-9 The Cable Group
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