A talk on Tenebrae - the Divine Office for the Holy Week by Alex Vella Gregory and Fr Charlo Camilleri O.Carm is being orgainsed at Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum on Wednesday 17 April 2019 at 6:00pm. The lecture will be followed by Tenebrae Celebration at the Carmelite Priory Church, Mdina by Cappella Sanctae Catharinae at 7:30pm.
The intriguing lecture will be delivered by choir master of Cappella Sanctae Catharinae, Alex Vella Gregory together with Fr Charlo Camilleri O.Carm of the Carmelite Priory. They will explain the spiritual and musical dimension of the Tenebrae celebration. Indeed, the Holy Week celebrations represent some of the richest musical heritage imparted by the Catholic church which reflect the liturgical importance of this week. The pair will explain why, due to certain liturgical reforms, particular customs have fallen into disuse. With that being said, during the celebration of Nocturns and Matins in the night from Spy Wednesday to Holy Thursday, the symbolic candle holder rite is used to enhance the experience of prayer and meditate over Christ's anguish, as his Passion was imminent.
The Tenebrae night of office, consists of psalms, readings, and responsorial, which is mostly sung in plainchant, except for the responsoria which are sung in polyphony. The service is dominated by the 'Barabba', a candelabrum with 15 candles. Throughout the service, the candles are slowly extinguished save one, plunging the church into darkness. The remaining candle, symbolising Christ's resurrection, remains lit and at the end it is taken inside the sacristy as the congregation exits in silence.
The talk will be complemented by the performance of the Tenebrae celebration across the road from Palazzo Falson at the Carmelite Priory Church. The liturgy will be performed by Cappella Sanctae Catharinae after a two-year absence. Malta's only all-male choir will sing the psalms in plainchant, and the responsoria will be sung in polyphonic settings by Victoria, Martini, and Viadana.
Booking is necessary only for the public lecture at Palazzo Falson which will be followed by the liturgy celebration at the Carmelite Priory, open for the public.
Please reserve your place by sending us an email to [email protected] or call us on 21454512. Entrance is free. Donations are highly appreciated to cover expenses of the event and upkeep of the historical premises.