Mass of the Lord's Supper and Tenebrae
Last night, the Semiarians attended the Mass of the Lord's Supper at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis with Archbishop Burke as the main celebrant. At the Mass of the Lord's Supper (pictures here), we celebrate the institution of the Holy Eucharist and of the Priesthood, and we commemorate the Washing of the Feet (see John chapter 13).
I was unable to take any pictures at Tenebrae because of the darkness (only one candle was lit for much of the service, and only emergency lighting was on in the Cathedral, but I will copy here the description of Tenebrae from the booklet we receieved for the service:
Concerning the Service of Tenebrae:
The name Tenebrae, meaning darkness or shadows, has for centuries been applied to early morning offices of Matins and Lauds of the las three days of Holy Week, which in the middle ages came to be celebrated on the preceding evenings. The most conspicuous feature of the services is the gradual extinguishing of candles and other lights in the church until a single candle, considered a symbol of the Lord, remains. Toward the end of the service, this candle is hidden typifying the apparent vidtory of the forces of evil. At the very end, a "loud noise" (strepitus), is made, symbolizing the earthquake at the time of the Resurrection, the hidden candle is restored to its place, and by its light all depart in silence.
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