Lance Carson
Ash Wednesday is a day of penitential prayer and fasting observed by Catholics and other Christians. It is a day when ashes are applied to the forehead in the shape of a cross, symbolising penance and grief for sins. The use of incense is a tradition in many Catholic parishes, with some using it only on special days such as Ash Wednesday, while others incorporate it into their regular Sunday liturgy. The practice of incense burning is rooted in scripture, with Jesus encountering it in the Temple, and it adds a sensory element to the religious experience. However, its use has declined in modern times due to factors such as cost, ventilation issues, and allergies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Incense Use in Catholic Churches | Incense is used in some Catholic churches, but not all. |
| Incense Use on Ash Wednesday | Incense is used on Ash Wednesday in some churches. |
| Reasons for Incense Disappearance | Cost, ventilation, time, and allergies. |
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What You'll Learn
Incense is used to scent the ashes
The use of incense during Ash Wednesday is a long-standing tradition in the Catholic Church, with records dating back over twelve hundred years. However, in recent times, its use has become less frequent in many Catholic parishes. Several factors contribute to this decline, including the cost, the additional time required, the need for trained altar servers, and concerns about allergies and asthma attacks in the congregation.
Despite these challenges, some parishes continue to use incense during Ash Wednesday and other special occasions. The incense is burned in a thurible, and its aroma adds to the solemnity and sacredness of the liturgy.
The ashes themselves hold symbolic significance, representing the dust from which God made us and our eventual return to dust. They also symbolize grief and repentance for our sins, connecting to biblical passages that associate ashes with mourning and penance.
In addition to its ceremonial purpose, incense ash has practical uses as well. It can be reused to help plants thrive, clean metal surfaces, and repel pests. Properly collecting, storing, and disposing of incense ash is important to prevent mess, fire hazards, and potential health risks.
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Incense is used during the mass
Incense is used during Mass to purify and sanctify the proceedings. It is typically burned during the entrance procession, at the beginning of Mass to incense the altar, during the procession and proclamation of the Gospel, at the offertory to incense the offerings, altar, priest and people, and at the elevation of the Sacred Host and chalice of Precious Blood after the consecration.
The use of incense during Mass is optional, and many Catholic priests choose not to use it. Some reasons for this include the cost and quality of incense, the manpower required to handle it, and the potential for triggering allergies or asthma in the congregation.
However, incense is still used in many parishes, especially on special days such as Christmas, Ash Wednesday, and other holy days. The visual imagery of the smoke and the smell remind worshippers of the transcendence of the Mass, linking heaven and earth and allowing them to enter into the presence of God. The smoke also symbolizes the prayers of the faithful drifting up to heaven, creating the ambiance of heaven as described in the Book of Revelation.
In addition to its use during Mass, incense is also used in the Catholic Church to purify the coffin at funerals and to bless statues and images.
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Incense is used on other holy days
Incense is used in the Catholic Church during liturgical celebrations and other holy days, except on Ash Wednesday.
Incense is used in the rite of consecrating the chrism and the blessing of other holy oils. It is also burned during the singing of the Gospel canticle at solemn Morning and Evening Prayers of the Divine Office. Incense is placed into the sepulcher of newly consecrated altars along with the relics of saints to represent the burial rite of ancient martyrs and to symbolize the prayers of the saint to whom the relic belongs.
The use of incense in the Catholic Church can be traced back to the 7th century Ordo Romanus VIII of Saint Amand, which mentions its use during the procession of a bishop to the altar on Good Friday. The practice of using incense is also noted in the Talmud, and the Bible mentions it 170 times.
In the Chaldean Rite of the Catholic Church, incense is used to purify the hands of those preparing to receive Holy Communion during the Holy Qurbono (Chaldean sacrificial liturgy). Similarly, in the Maronite Rite, liturgical vessels are inverted over burning incense to catch the fragrant smoke as part of the purification process before liturgical use.
While incense is not used on Ash Wednesday, it is used on other holy days such as Christmas and major feast days. It is also used during the Mass of the Feast of the Epiphany to commemorate the visitation of the Biblical Magi to Baby Jesus. The incense is then distributed to attendees for use at their family altars and for the coming Easter to prepare their home paschal candles.
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Incense is used at the beginning of the mass
Incense is used at the beginning of Mass to create an atmosphere of solemnity and beauty, and to unite the congregation with the worship offered to God in Heaven by His angels and saints. The use of incense also adds mystery to the Mass, obscuring the sense of sight and adding an appreciation of the true mystery involved in the worship of God.
The General Instruction of the Roman Missal states that incense may be used during the entrance procession, at the beginning of Mass, to incense the altar, and at the procession and proclamation of the Gospel. Incense is also used at the offertory to incense the offerings, altar, priest and people, and at the elevation of the Sacred Host and chalice of Precious Blood after the consecration.
The priest may also incense the crucifix and the Paschal Candle. The smoke from the incense rising towards and surrounding the holy book symbolises the words of God, and the story of salvation. It also symbolises the prayers of the faithful rising up to heaven, and the fragrance of Christ Himself.
The use of incense in Catholic Mass can be traced back to the fifth century, with the present form of James and Mark. The burning of incense is often accompanied by the singing of Eucharistic hymns and prayers. Incense is also used during the Final Commendation in funeral Masses, to honour the body of the deceased and as a sensory sign of prayer for the departed.
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Incense is used to incense the gifts on the altar
The altar of incense, crafted from acia wood and adorned with gold, was placed in front of the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. Aaron was instructed to burn incense on this altar every morning and at twilight, offering it to the Lord as a symbol of prayer (Exodus 30:7-8). The incense was always burning, signifying the importance of constant prayer (Luke 18:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:17).
The act of burning incense is mentioned in the Bible, where it is often associated with prayer. For instance, David prayed, "May my prayer be set before you like incense" (Psalm 141:2). The incense itself symbolises the prayers of God's people, ascending to heaven like the smoke rising from the altar (Revelation 5:8; 8:3).
In modern times, the use of incense in Catholic parishes has become less frequent. This decrease can be attributed to various factors, including the cost of quality incense, the need for additional altar servers to handle the thurible, and concerns about allergies and ventilation in churches. However, incense is still used on special days, such as Ash Wednesday, Christmas, and other holy days, maintaining its significance in Catholic liturgy.
On Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent, the ashes used are often sprinkled with holy water and fragranced with incense. This incense, along with the ashes, symbolises penance, repentance, and grief, reminding Catholics of their spiritual journey towards God.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, incense can be used on Ash Wednesday in the Catholic Church. Incense is used to scent the ashes that are applied to believers' foreheads.
The ashes symbolize penance and contrition and are a reminder that God is gracious and merciful to those who call on Him with repentant hearts.
Ash Wednesday comes from the ancient Jewish tradition of penance and fasting. The practice includes the wearing of ashes on the head, made from the burnt palm fronds that were blessed on the Palm Sunday of the previous year.
The use of incense has declined due to several factors, including the cost and quality of incense, the ventilation of churches, and the potential for triggering allergies or asthma in parishioners.
