Taizé-Tenebrae Prayer Service announced for Good Friday

The Parish Council of Blessed Sacrament Church is pleased to announce that a special Taizé-Tenebrae service will be held on Good Friday, April 18, at Blessed Sacrament Church, 1029 Delaware Ave., in Buffalo. The service, The Funeral of Our Lord, is a combination of the 20th century ecumenical Taizé service and the eighth century Tenebrae service of the early Church.

Too often people fall into a routine of attending Holy Week services without absorbing the profound meaning of Christ’s extreme suffering He endured to save society. This Good Friday, Blessed Sacrament will present a special dramatized prayer service that combines the traditions of Taizé and Tenebrae.

Taizé prayer was begun after World War II as an ecumenical prayer service by the monks in Taizé, France. It is a meditative candlelit gathering of song, Scripture and silence. The songs are repetitive chants with simple melodies. Short Scripture passages are read and the service is free of sermons, though intercessory prayers are said. Low lighting with candles create a peaceful reflective atmosphere. Taizé prayer services create space for healing and a spiritual connection with God with an opportunity to “listen” to God speak.

“Tenebrae” is Latin for “darkness.” It is a solemn journey into the “shadows” of Christ’s Passion and death. It is usually celebrated during Holy Week and often occurs on Good Friday. A Tenebrae service also features Scripture readings that are read in stages. Candles also figure prominently in the service, as they are gradually extinguished as the service progresses: we experience lights fading into darkness. Fifteen candles are held in a special candelabra, the “hearse.” The 15th candle represents Christ, and the “Christ candle” is removed from the church, plunging the space into darkness. However, this candle is not extinguished, just hidden, only to symbolize Christ’s Resurrection on Easter. A loud sound, “Strepitus” is made at the end to symbolize the earthquake or the closing of the tomb. A dramatic, moving atmosphere is created and the final moments are marked by silence and mystery.

“The Funeral of Our Lord” is a dramatization based on selections from all four Gospels. Through theatrical lighting, a special effects soundtrack, slides and videos, the attendees’ five senses will be stimulated to provide a heightened experience and understanding of the depth of Christ’s pain and suffering. A cast of talent from Blessed Sacrament and St. Louis parishes include: Michael Biedny, Alexa Buzak, Tom Caraher, Mary Jo Carroll, Mark Colon, Roman Conlon, Dominic LaBelle, Leonardo LaBelle, Deacon Thomas LaBelle, Michael Pitek, Mike Reister, George Riedel, Pete Rizzo, Liz Urbanski-Farrell and Tim van Oss. Live music will be provided by Alex Cousins (cello), Donna Docenko (flute), Tony Domzal (organ/piano), Cory Gallagher (cantor), Alex Medina (bass guitar), and Sarah Rice (violin).

The community is invited to attend this Good Friday prayer service. Seating is limited and you are asked to RSVP to Michael Pitek at 716-480-8313 or michael@thepitekgroup.com.

Free, off-street parking is available in the parking lot of the Catholic Academy of West Buffalo located at 1069 Delaware Avenue. The lot can be entered on Delaware Avenue near Lexington Avenue or from Linwood Avenue.