Tenebrae service at St. Elizabeth Seton Parish set tone for triduum

Mary Vlaming explains the Tenebrae service before its start. Members of St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Orland Hills participated in a Tenebrae service on April 16, 2024. Tenebrae means “darkness”, and is a liturgical service of music, and readings that features distinctive symbolic elements of Christ's passion and death. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Jane Bissette carries one of the candles during the opening procession. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Cristina Garcia places a candle in its holder during the opening procession. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Deacon Bob Velcich places the paschal candle in its holder during the opening procession. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Father Daniel Korenchan, associate pastor, places the paschal candle in its holder during the opening procession. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Parishioners Marge Broderick, Perry Dubish and Sue Hall pray during the Tenebrae service. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Cristina Garcia delivers a meditation. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

The altar as it appeared during the service. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

John Zapala extinguishes a candle after giving a reflection during the Tenebrae service. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Father Daniel Korenchan gives a refection during the service. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Deacon John Sobel rings the gong at the end of the service, which symbolizes the time of Christ’s death. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)