My retreat timetable states that I have to leave for church in 45 minutes. That leaves me just enough time to put up a quick post about Tenebrae at Corpus Christi, Maiden Lane...I was caught up in traffic which was heavier than usual because of various roadworks going on (due either to the start or end of the financial year, no doubt!) and, after lurking near a likely parking space and then snaffling it through some very nifty manoeuvring (sorry, unlucky 4x4 driver, but my need was really greater than yours!) I managed to squeak into the church in time for the start.
Due to most Catholics wanting to sit near the back, I was able to pick a pew with a good view of the sanctuary...
Tenebrae, the Office of Matins and Lauds for the Triduum, is pretty amazing. If you ever get the chance to attend, I would really recommend it... the singers at Corpus Christi had a mixture of plainchant and polyphony, which was awesome... definitely goosebumps time.
Being rather ignorant of the Extraordinary Form of the Liturgy, I later had to ask about the significance of the banging of books at the end. It is, apparently, the earthquake which happened at the death of Jesus. I know, I know... it seems obvious, but in my Novus Ordo mindset, I was thinking "chronologically," and we hadn't had Maundy Thursday, let alone Good Friday...
I wouldn't call it ignorant, Mac; it makes sense. Not everything in the usus antiquior is perfect... why signify Our Lord's death yet... but then again, the Tabernacle does become empty today...
ReplyDeleteI was looking out for you but didn't see you!
ReplyDeleteYes, Tenebrae was moving, disturbing even, and very beautiful. A fitting start to the Holy Triduum.
This was my first, but d.v. will not be my last.
I haven't been to Tenebrae at Maiden Lane yet but the Oratory one is usually good (apart from the vernacular lessons) and their strepitus is one to be present at.
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