St. Frances of Rome students prepare for Easter through Tenebrae service
Fourth through eighth graders at St. Frances of Rome School in Cicero take part in a Tenebrae service on April 1, 2026. A devotion that takes place in a darkened church usually on the evening of Wednesday of Holy Week, the name “Tenebrae” is taken from the Latin word meaning “shadows” or “darkness.” It is traditionally celebrated on Spy Wednesday for when Judas made a bargain with the high priests to betray Jesus. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Eighth-grader Gabriel Munoz-Aviles leads the opening procession. Fourth through eighth graders at St. Frances of Rome School in Cicero take part in a Tenebrae service on April 1, 2026. A devotion that takes place in a darkened church usually on the evening of Wednesday of Holy Week, the name “Tenebrae” is taken from the Latin word meaning “shadows” or “darkness.” It is traditionally celebrated on Spy Wednesday for when Judas made a bargain with the high priests to betray Jesus. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Sixth-grader Brooklyn Varela carries a candle in the procession. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Eighth-grader Camila Munoz lights a candle at the altar. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Principal Phillip Jackson leads the service. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Sixth-grader Adrian Contreras and eighth-grader Guadalupe Flores sing in the choir. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Sixth-grader Aaron Ortiz follows the service in the program book. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
A student holds a candle during the service. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Fourth grader Adriel Garcia participates using the program book. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
The choir leads the service. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
