Spy Wednesday Tenebrae service

Tenebrae includes 15 lighted candles, which are extinguished in turn as each of the 14 appointed psalms is read. The final candle, symbolic of Christ, is left lighted but  is carried away to be hidden, signifying the apparent victory of the forces of evil. A sudden loud noise marks the end of the service, symbolizing the earthquake at Christ's death. The lighted candle is then restored to its place, suggesting Christ's eventual triumph.