Seamus Hammond
Incense is an integral part of Catholic Church rituals, with frankincense and myrrh being the most commonly used types. The use of incense in the Catholic Church has deep roots in ancient Catholic tradition, with the smoke symbolizing sanctification, purification, and the prayers of the faithful rising up to heaven. Frankincense and myrrh are also mentioned in the Bible, as the gifts of the Three Wise Men to baby Jesus, and are often blessed at the Mass of the Feast of the Epiphany to commemorate this visitation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Symbolism, Purification, Sanctification, Veneration, Blessings |
| Major Consumers | Catholic Church |
| Major Ingredients | Frankincense, Myrrh |
| Other Ingredients | Benzoin, Copal Resin, Styrax, Opoponax, Essential Oils |
| Bible References | Matthew, Exodus, Old Testament |
| Baby Jesus Gifts | Gold, Frankincense, Myrrh |
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What You'll Learn
- Frankincense and myrrh are blessed at the Mass of the Feast of the Epiphany
- The incense symbolises the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven
- The smoke from the incense symbolises sanctification and purification
- The incense is burned over hot coals in a censer or thurible
- The Catholic Church is a major consumer of frankincense
Frankincense and myrrh are blessed at the Mass of the Feast of the Epiphany
Frankincense and myrrh are two of the most potent anti-microbial substances and have been used for thousands of years in religious worship. They are also mentioned in the Bible, as the three gifts of the Wise Men from the East to the newborn Jesus Christ, alongside gold.
Frankincense and myrrh are often blessed at the Mass of the Feast of the Epiphany, also known as the Manifestation of the Lord, to commemorate the visitation of the Biblical Magi to the Baby Jesus. This feast is celebrated with a Mass and the singing of Vespers (Evening Prayer) in the Ordinary Form in English. The incense is distributed to attendees for use at their family altars and for the coming Easter to prepare their home paschal candles.
The blessing of frankincense and myrrh is a powerful reminder of the significance of the Epiphany, which, from the Greek, means a "striking realization" or a "divinely inspired insight". The gifts of the Magi represent the honouring of Jesus Christ as royalty and a deity, as well as foreshadowing his death and role as a healer.
The Catholic Church is a major consumer of frankincense and myrrh due to the importance of incense in its liturgies. Incense is burned over hot coals in a censer or thurible to incense the altar, sacred images, and the people participating in the Mass. The smoke from the incense is believed to symbolise sanctification, purification, and the prayers of the faithful rising towards God.
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The incense symbolises the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven
The Catholic Church is a major consumer of frankincense and myrrh, as incense holds an important place in its liturgies. The smoke from the incense symbolises the prayers of the faithful rising up to heaven. This symbolism has been attached to incense since ancient times, with the first recorded use of incense by the Indians in the Indus Valley Civilisation in 3600 BC. The practice was also common in Near East countries, where it was burnt for its perfume.
In the Catholic Church, dried frankincense gum grains are burned over hot coals in a censer or thurible to incense the altar, the Book of Gospels, offertory gifts, sacred images, and the people participating in the Mass. The billowing smoke draws people's gaze upwards, reminding them of heaven, and the aroma is a reminder of the transcendence of the Mass. The practice of burning incense is also a sign of reverence and dedication. For example, incensing the body at a funeral Mass symbolises reverence for the body that was once the temple of God.
The use of frankincense and myrrh in Catholic incense also holds symbolic significance related to the birth and death of Jesus Christ. According to the Gospel of Matthew, the three wise men travelled to pay homage to the "newborn king of the Jews" and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Frankincense symbolised his divinity, while myrrh, which was used on cuts or wounds and in the anointing of corpses, foreshadowed his role as a healer and foretold his death.
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The smoke from the incense symbolises sanctification and purification
The Catholic Church is a major consumer of frankincense and myrrh, as incense holds an important place in its liturgies. The smoke from the incense symbolises sanctification and purification, as well as the prayers of the faithful rising up towards God. This is supported by various verses in the Bible, such as Psalm 141:2, which says, "Let my prayer be counted as incense before thee, and the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice".
The use of incense in the Catholic Church is thought to have originated in the Eastern branch of the Church, with the rituals of the Divine Liturgies of Saint James and Saint Mark in the 5th century including the use of incense. The Western Church also documented the use of incense in the 7th century Ordo Romanus VIII of Saint Amand. The practice has continued to evolve over the years, with the burning of incense becoming an integral part of Catholic liturgies.
The smoke from the incense is believed to symbolise sanctification and purification, as mentioned in the previous paragraph, but also as a representation of the prayers of the faithful. This is further supported by Psalm 141, which compares prayer to incense rising up to God. The use of incense in the Bible is also associated with ritual cleansing and purification, as seen in the Tabernacle, where God commanded Moses to build an Altar of Incense for worship.
The Catholic Church uses incense during Mass to symbolise the purification and sanctification of the worshippers, as they offer their gifts, spiritual sacrifices, and entire beings to God. The smoke from the incense is thought to purify all that it touches, as seen in the Chaldean Rite, where those receiving Holy Communion purify their hands by holding them over a bowl of burning incense. The incense also adds to the solemnity and beauty of the Mass, creating an atmosphere fitting of the worship of God.
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The incense is burned over hot coals in a censer or thurible
Incense burners, also known as censers or thuribles, are an essential part of Catholic worship and have been used in religious ceremonies for thousands of years. The incense is burned over hot coals in a censer or thurible, with the smoke and fragrance of the incense symbolising the prayers of the faithful rising up to heaven, as well as the presence of the Holy Spirit. The priest or deacon will usually prepare the censer or thurible by placing a small amount of incense in the bowl and lighting it, allowing it to smoulder and release its fragrance. The vessel is then swung back and forth, using the chain or cord to create a cloud of fragrant smoke.
The censer or thurible is typically made of metal and has a chain or cord attached to it, allowing it to be swung back and forth, spreading the smoke and fragrance of the incense throughout the space. The incense is burned over hot coals, with the coals lit until they are red hot. The incense is then placed onto the hot coals, and the burning process releases its aroma. It is important to note that the censer or thurible should always be handled with care, whether or not it contains live coals. Treating the vessel with care consistently will form solid habits that will prevent injuries.
When using the censer or thurible, it is crucial to prioritise safety. A fire extinguisher and water must be kept nearby when lighting coals. Additionally, lit coals and matches must always be extinguished in a bucket of water. It is recommended to light charcoals away from flammable materials and to be cautious of one's surroundings. Broken or older charcoals can be more challenging to light and may require more time.
The timing of incense use during the ceremony and the number of swings of the censer or thurible for each occasion are specified in the Roman Missal, a text containing instructions for the celebration of Mass in the Latin Church. The incense is thought to be both purifying and symbolic. It is often used to incense the altar, sacred images, and the people participating in the Mass, with the smoke symbolising sanctification, purification, and the prayers of the faithful rising towards God.
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The Catholic Church is a major consumer of frankincense
Frankincense is often used alongside myrrh, another resinous material with a sweet, resinous smell that is obtained from trees primarily in the Middle East. Both frankincense and myrrh were among the gifts given to Baby Jesus by the Three Wise Men, symbolising his divinity and foretelling his death. The two resins also have exceptional medicinal qualities, making them useful gifts for the Holy Family.
The Catholic Church's use of incense in liturgical celebrations has been influenced by its use in Jewish temple worship, which continued well after the establishment of Christianity. The earliest documented history of using incense during a Catholic sacrificial liturgy comes from the Eastern branch of the Church, with rituals dating back to the 5th century mentioning the use of incense. In the Western Church, the 7th-century Ordo Romanus VIII of Saint Amand mentions the use of incense during the procession of a bishop to the altar on Good Friday.
The use of incense in Catholic liturgies has continued to evolve, with different parishes using various ingredients to enhance the aroma of the incense. In addition to frankincense and myrrh, other resins such as copal, benzoin, and styrax may be added to create a unique and recognisable blend. The sourcing of high-quality incense is a meticulous process, as it significantly impacts the overall aroma, and the resins used may vary depending on regional differences and availability.
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Frequently asked questions
The Catholic Church is a major consumer of incense, which holds a significant place in its liturgies. The smoke from the incense is believed to symbolise the sanctification and purification of prayers rising up towards God.
Frankincense is a gum resin that fills the air with a sweet, citrusy, and slightly piney aroma. It is believed to be one of the gifts given to baby Jesus by the Three Wise Men.
Myrrh is a resin obtained from trees that grow primarily in the Middle East. It has a sweet, resinous, rich, smoky, and slightly bitter aroma. Myrrh was also among the gifts given to baby Jesus.
Frankincense and myrrh are often used in Catholic Church incense to symbolise the birth and foreshadow the death of Jesus Christ. The incense is also believed to activate different channels in the brain to alleviate anxiety or depression.
Incense is burned over hot coals in a censer or thurible to incense the altar, the Book of Gospels, offertory gifts, sacred images, and the people participating in the Mass.
