A distinctive candelabra is used, the Tenebrae Hearse, which holds fifteen candles, fourteen that are unbleached brown and one that is white. During Tenebrae, these candles and other lights in the sanctuary are gradually extinguished until only the single white candle remains lighted, a symbol of Christ who is the Light of the World.

What does it mean? One-by-one the followers of Christ leave. St Peter asserts, “If all leave you, not I.” Christ responds to him: “Before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.” St. Peter did just as our Lord said he would. He went out; denied Christ; and wept bitterly. Judas Iscariot asks Our Lord, “Is it I?” It is the hypocritical question of the very one who will betray Jesus. Judas went out. It was night (tenebrae) and he hanged himself.

Near the conclusion of Tenebrae, the white candle is taken away. First it is placed on the Altar, that is, on Calvary. Then it is removed and hidden from our sight behind the Altar, symbolizing the apparent victory of evil as the Light of Christ seems to be snuffed out. At the end of Tenebrae, a loud noise (strepitus) is made, which recalls the earthquake at the moment of Our Lord’s death on the Cross. To those who have faith, it is not the end. The Light of Christ returns and shines ever brighter and more glorious in the Resurrection.

This is the good news of our faith. However dark our world may get, the light of Christ conquers the darkness and leads us all to Eternal Life.

Tenebrae factae sunt - “and it was dark” (Matthew 27:45)