Tenebrae is a Latin word meaning “darkness,” and is the popular name for the special forms of the offices of Mattins and Lauds appointed for the last three days in Holy Week. Again this year, Tenebrae will be in Taizé form.

Perhaps the most striking feature of the service is the gradual extinguishing of the candles until only one is left, which is then concealed for a time until a loud noise is made (signifying the earthquake at the time of the Resurrection), whereupon the hidden candle is restored to its place in anticipation of the Resurrection. The congregation then departs in silence.