Wednesday in Holy Week, Tenebrae - 1st April
Tenebrae means darkness or shadows, and our Wednesday evening Service of Tenebrae (in anticipation) of Maundy Thursday is derived from the monastic offices of Mattins and Lauds. We reflect on Jesus’ Passion as the chants are sung, candles and the lights in the church are extinguished one by one until the church is left in silent darkness.
For many, this Tenebrae Service is one of the most moving and meaningful worship services of the year, despite its sombre tone, darkness and music all reflecting Christ's suffering, yet in anticipation of the resurrection.
Last year’s Tenebrae Service was the first at which our recently acquired Hearse from Antwerp, Belgium circa 1500 was on full display for its intended purpose, thanks to another legacy. This one given by the late Marion Iles-Hunt, also another one-time HI churchwarden. Marion was a teacher and Deputy Head at St Stephen’s Church of England primary school, and involved in an Early Childhood Charity in the London Borough of Ealing.
Our Hearse is in the shape of a plough and the word derives from the French word ‘herse’ for harrow, which in mediaeval times was placed over the coffin and its spike were used to hold the burning candles over the deceased.
This year the Consort of English voices will sing Responsoria Tenebrae by the Polish composer Paweł Łukaszewski in our Tenebrae Service for Maundy Thursday, which is sung on the evening of Wednesday in Holy Week.