Extract from SFX leaflet - "A Walk Through The Celebrations of Holy Week 2008" and also the Herald.
Tenebrae, a Latin word which means "darkness", is a Liturgy composed of readings and psalms, with canticles and prayers, all of which is celebrated in a darkerned church, with 7 lit candles which are extinguished one by one as the liturgy unfolds. The 7 candles focus on the 7 last words of Jesus viz:-
i) Forgive them, Father! They do not know what they do (Luke 23:34)
ii) I tell you this: Today you will be with me in Paradise (Luke 23:43)
iii) Woman, here is your son. Here is your mother (John 19:26-27)
iv) Elo-I, elo-I, lama sabach-thani? My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? (Matt 27:46)
v) I am thirsty (John 19:28)
vi)It is finished (John 19:30)
vii) Father, into your hands I commit my spirit (Luke 23:46)
