By Lois Rogers | Correspondent

As night settled on Spring Lake March 28, hundreds of faithful from around the Diocese exchanged the bustle of the secular world for the sacred stillness of St. Catharine Church.

Photo Gallery: Tenebrae service in St. Catharine Church, Spring Lake

What drew them on this still and chilly night to the grand church on the banks of the lake which gives the town its name, was a Tenebrae. The profound and lengthy meditation on Christ’s suffering has, since medieval times, combined the power of darkness with sacred readings and song to offer lingering hope in the light of redemption.

And since it was reinstituted on a diocesan level in 2016 by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., the Tenebrae, with its solemn emphasis on the mystery about to unfold, has become a gateway to the Triduum. On this night, many shared that sentiment as they arrived early to witness the service, which this year was presided over by Father Harold Cullen, pastor of St. Catharine-St. Margaret Parish.

Dee Velkind, a member of St. Catharine-St. Margaret Parish, said that while she previously served the parish as the head sacristan, she had “never heard of the Tenebrae before Bishop O’Connell reinstituted it here.

“When I attended for the first time, it made me realize that it is centered on Holy Week” as it should be observed, she said. “So many of us forget that this is Holy Week. The Tenebrae keeps me focused on the Lord. There is so little (recognition) in the public square.”

As Velkind entered the still and darkened church, she said it was like “walking through a portal into the meaning and mystery of Holy Week.”

At its heart, the profound meditation on Christ’s suffering by way of sacred readings and music combines the power of silence and darkness with the pathos of his sacrifice even as it offers lingering hope for salvation.

Once a service for the monastic community, Tenebrae, which means darkness and shadows, is traditionally held in the evenings of Holy Week. With its prayed and sung psalms, lessons and chants expressing grief, the service captivated all those gathered in the church. Elders, adults and small children alike kept their eyes focused on the 15-branch candelabra known as a “hearse” as one by one, the candles that represent the 12 apostles and the three days of darkness following Christ’s Death were extinguished.

The 90-minute service drew to a powerful conclusion with the resounding strepidus – a loud blast from the organ – indicating the Death of Jesus and the earthquake the followed.

And once again, the moment that so many remembered from previous years arrived as the members of the Central Jersey Catholic Chorale under the direction of Peter A. Carter, offered the breathtaking “Miserere Mei, Deus” Have Mercy on Me, O God by Gregorio Allegri which served as the prelude for the return of the Christ Candle which had been hidden from view, representing Christ’s victory over death.

Mae and Eric Alberto, St. Luke Parish, Toms River, brought three of their young children to the service -- Therese 8, Rosie 3 and little Kateri, 1.

“We wanted the children to experience the meaning of Jesus saving us, of his unique and special sacrifice,” Eric Alberto said. “We came last year and we thought it was important to come back as a family tonight.”

Paddy Corbella, a member of St. Michael Parish, Long Branch, who was joined by her pastor, Father John Butler, said she came because she wanted to “experience and understand Tenebrae better. I am (so) moved by the candlelight and the focus on Holy Week. This has done a lot for me.”

“It gave me calmness. It really hit home. More people should take advantage of it,” Corbella said.