12:00 PM Holy Hour
1:00 PM The Way of the Cross
2:00 PM Mass of the Pre-Sanctified with adoration of the Cross and procession
The Host offered at this Mass was consecrated the night before at Mass on Holy Thursday; hence the name – Mass of the Pre- Sanctified or pre-consecrated
2:45 PM Opening of the symbolic grave of Christ
7:30 PM The Rite of Tenebre
The service of worship known as Tenebre means shadows or darkness, and has its origin in the second century after the resurrection and ascension of Christ. However, its recognizable form as presented this evening comes from the Middles Ages. The service is drawn from the Offices of Matins and Lauds, which are apart of eady Christian worship. The prayers and psalms which comprise the service were arranged to fit the last three days of Holy Week.
In the Middle Ages, Tenebre was celebrated in darkness. Gradually the service evolved into candles being lit and extinguished one by one until only one remained. Symbolically, the last candle is Christ, ffidthe others being extinguished represent his followers dropping away as his death draws near; darkness prevails and the symbolism of Christ’s torture ensues.
Our Church’s approach to Tenebre is owed to its orgarizer, Bishop Franciszek Hodur, who inserted the Lamentations of the Polish National Catholic Church. The emphasis of the service, therefore, centers on the return of wayward and straying people to Christ.