Tenebrae service celebrated

A special tenebrae service with adoration was celebrated with Father Don Buhrman March 30 for families of St. Leo’s in Grand Island. Tenebrae, which means shadows or darkness, is an ancient Christian service during Holy Week. This adaptation uses reading from the gospels, reflection and music to recreate the darkness that came over the moments that preceded the crucifixion of Jesus. Characterized by the gradual extinguishing of lit candles and the darkening of the church, the flame from the last candle is carried out of the service symbolizing Christ’s exit from the city of Jerusalem to Golgotha. The strepitus or loud noise at the end of the service symbolizes the earthquake and momentary disorder in creation that followed Christ’s death. The tenebrae service will be presented again on Passion Sunday evening. (Photo by Colleen Gallion, West Nebraska Catholic)