St. Mary’s in Medina hosting Tenebrae service of solemn Lenten liturgy

Photos courtesy of Chris Busch: This is the interior of St. Mary’s Church where a service of Tenebrae will take place at 7 p.m. Friday.

MEDINA – St. Mary’s Church (Holy Trinity Parish) will host a Tenebrae service at 7 p.m. Friday. The service is an idea of the church’s principle organist and director of music Aaron Grabowski.

Lifelong church member Chris Busch explained the meaning of “Tenebrae.”

Aaron Grabowski is the principal organist and music director at St. Mary’s Church (Holy Trinity Parish).

“In the Roman Catholic Church, the word refers to a unique and solemn Lenten liturgy dating back to the ninth century and having its roots in medieval tradition,” Busch said. “Seven candles are extinguished, evoking the darkness associated with the crucifixion and death of Jesus, as psalms are chanted and Scripture read with somber ritual. As the final candle is extinguished, a loud strepitus (Latin for ‘great noise’) is sounded symbolizing an earthquake or thunder at the death of Christ. All depart in silence.”

The St. John Paul II Schola Cantorum, directed by Steve Quebral, is an a capella choir dedicated to preserving, promoting and performing sacred choral works from the great treasury of music of the Catholic Church, Busch said.

The Cantorum’s repertoire ranges from Gregorian Chant to masterpieces of sacred polyphony from the Middle Ages to modern times. Their stated ambition is “to learn and perform the great masterpieces of Catholic choral repertoire, focusing on a cappella works for mixed voices and keeping in mind the great purpose of sacred music of the Catholic Church: ‘the Glory of God and the sanctification of the faithful.’”

“The tenor of this liturgy is one of sorrow and desolation as those attending contemplate a world with the light of Christ,” Grabowski said. “We’re pleased and excited to be able to present this incredible Lenten spiritual opportunity.”

The setting is a darkened church, Grabowski added. While the mood is one of sadness and grief, it is at the same time a beautiful opportunity to contemplate Christ’s sacrifice with Scripture, chant and some of the most magnificent sacred music ever written, he said.

The service will run for approximately one hour and is not exclusive to Catholics. According to Grabowski, Tenebrae is observed by many Christian denominations and all are welcome to attend and experience it.

“Tenebrae has its origins in the Roman Catholic Church, but it is also celebrated in the Lutheran, Anglican, Episcopal and Methodist churches, as well as some Western Rite Orthodox churches,” Grabowski said.

Some of the music to be featured by the Cantorum include Benedictus (Josef Rheinberger 1839-1901), Ego Sum Panis Vivus (Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina 1525-1594, Ave Verum Corpus (Camille Saint-Saens 1835-1921), In Monte Oliveti (Anton Bruckner 1824-1896 and Surely He Hath Borne Our Griefs (Karl Heinrich Graun 1704-1759).

Also heard will be several psalms chanted in the traditional manner.

Grabowski’s concluding thought is “Tenebrae is a powerful, reflective experience for any Christian. If you’re looking for an opportunity for spiritual and contemplative enrichment this Lent, please join us.”

A free will offering will benefit Schola Cantorum.