03/18/08
The monastery is entering the most sacred week of the liturgical year. Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday each begin with Tenebrae –a 3 hour long office of 15 psalms and canticles, 9 chanted readings and 9 responsories. The office is sung only with candlelight. One candle is blown out with each psalm so that at the end there is one candle burning. The acolyte carries the one lit candle out of the church –symbolizing Christ’s decent into hell– all the monks make loud clamorous knocks to signify the harrowing, then the light returns to prepare all for the coming resurrection.
These days literally bring the monk into the Paschal Mystery. There is a festive meal on Holy Thursday to commemorate the Last Supper. The Prior and Subprior wait at table. On Good Friday only bread and soup are served and the Miserere is sung on kneeling in the refectory. Holy Saturday is filled with intense preparations in the sacristy and kitchen as the monks await the long and beautiful Vigil.
We join our prayers to yours as we follow our Savior’s path of suffering and victory.
Have a happy Easter.
-Brother Subprior Benedict Nivakoff, OSB