Seamus Hammond
Incense has been used during Mass for thousands of years, with the practice originating in the Book of Exodus. The smoke from burning incense is a symbol of the prayers of the faithful rising to God. Incense is used at various points during Mass, including during the entrance procession, at the beginning of Mass, during the Gospel, at the offertory, and during the elevations of the Eucharistic Prayer. The priest may also incense the Crucifix, the Paschal Candle, and the coffin during funeral Masses. The use of incense adds solemnity and mystery to the Mass, reminding worshippers of the transcendence of the Mass and linking heaven and earth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Symbol of the prayers of the faithful rising up to God, Symbol of purification and sanctification, Symbol of the fragrant sacrifice of Our Lord, Symbol of the transcendence of the Mass |
| Usage | During the Entrance Procession, At the beginning of Mass, At the proclamation of the Gospel, During the preparation of the gifts, During the elevations of the Eucharistic Prayer, During the Liturgy of the Eucharist, During the Benediction, During the Final Commendation |
| History | The first instance of incense appears over a thousand years before Jesus, Mentioned in the present form of James and Mark which originate in the 5th century, Used in the Roman Ritual of the 7th century, Used in the Mass at least since the 11th century |
| Religious Significance | Commanded by God in Exodus, Mentioned in Numbers 16, Mentioned in Psalms, Mentioned in the Book of Revelation, Mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew, Part of the Old Testament offerings |
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What You'll Learn
Incense during the entrance procession
Incense has been used during the entrance procession of a Catholic Mass for millennia. The smoke from the incense is seen as a symbol of the prayers of the faithful rising up to God. The use of incense is also commanded by God in Exodus, and the practice has continued as Catholicism is a continuation of the Israelite liturgy.
The General Instruction on the Roman Missal (GIRM) identifies five occasions when incense may be used during the celebration of Mass: the entrance procession, the incensation of the altar at the beginning of Mass, at the Gospel, at the preparation of the gifts, and during the elevations of the Eucharistic Prayer. The incense does primarily represent prayers rising to heaven, but it is also used to bless and sanctify things in a special way. The incensing sanctifies the altar, preparing it for the sacrifice and honouring it as the place of that sacrifice.
The symbolism of the smoke from the incense is also connected to eschatology. If God dwells in the clouds of heaven, then incense brings us into heaven. The smoke also obscures our sense of sight and adds an appreciation of the true mystery involved in the worship of God and our sanctification. It also pleasantly engages our sense of smell, along with our other senses involved in worship.
The use of incense during the entrance procession is also practical, as it helps to create a sense of solemnity and mystery to the Mass. The visual imagery of the smoke and the smell remind us of the transcendence of the Mass, which links heaven and earth, and allow us to enter into the presence of God.
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Incense the altar at the beginning of Mass
Incense has been used in the Catholic Church for thousands of years, dating back to the Old Testament and the book of Exodus. The use of incense during Mass is a symbol of the prayers of the faithful rising to God and adds a sense of solemnity and mystery to the Mass.
To incense the altar at the beginning of Mass, the priest first blesses the incense as it is placed on the coals. The deacon then takes a step back to receive the incense boat from the thurifer, who approaches the celebrant within arm's length. The thurifer passes the incense boat to the deacon, who holds the open boat in his left hand while presenting the spoon to the celebrant with his right hand. The thurifer opens the censer and holds the bowl elevated so that the celebrant can impose incense while standing erect. The celebrant then turns to his right and incenses the altar with a series of single swings, ensuring that all surfaces of the altar are incensed. The deacon may hold back the folds of his chasuble and accompany the celebrant as he incenses the altar, or the celebrant may prefer to do this unaccompanied. If the celebrant is accompanied, the deacon and any other ministers bow with the celebrant whenever he bows.
The incense and its smoke symbolize the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven, and it is also used to bless and sanctify the altar, preparing it for the sacrifice of the Mass and honouring it as the place of sacrifice.
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Incense at the Gospel
Incense is used during Mass to symbolise the prayers of the faithful rising up to God. The smoke that rises from the incense is a reminder of the transcendence of the Mass, linking heaven and earth. The use of incense during Mass is also a reminder of the fragrant sacrifice of Our Lord, and how our own earthly lives will be consumed.
Incense is used at various points during Mass, including during the Entrance Procession, at the altar, and at the proclamation of the Gospel. When incensing the altar, the priest will also incense the cross and the altar itself.
Incensing at the Gospel is an early practice, appearing in the fifth century in the present form of James and Mark. The priest will bless the incense as it is placed on the coals. The smoke from the incense, along with the prayers of the faithful, rises to God.
The altar of incense is mentioned in the Bible, in Exodus chapter 30, as one of the items inside the Holy Place of the tabernacle. God gave a specific recipe for the incense, and it was to be used only for worship. Aaron was instructed to burn incense on the altar each morning and at twilight.
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Incense at the offertory
Incense is used at the offertory to symbolise the sanctification and purification of the offerings, altar, priest and people. The priest blesses the incense as it is placed on the coals, and the smoke that rises from the incense is thought to symbolise the prayers of the faithful rising to God.
The use of incense at the offertory is a tradition that dates back to the 11th century. It is mentioned in the liturgies of Saints James and Mark, which in their present form, originate in the fifth century. A Roman Ritual of the seventh century also marks its usage in the procession of a Bishop to the altar and on Good Friday.
In the Eastern Rites, the altar and sanctuary area are incensed while Psalm 50, the "Miserere", is chanted, invoking the mercy of God. The smoke from the incense also serves to obscure the sense of sight, adding to the mystery of the worship of God. The sweet fragrance of the incense is also thought to create the ambiance of heaven.
In some churches, the pastor restricts the use of incense to the most solemn occasions, such as Easter, Epiphany, Pentecost, and Christmas.
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Incense during elevations of the Eucharistic Prayer
Incense has been used during the Mass in the Christian community for millennia. The smoke that rises from the incense is seen as a symbol of the prayers of the faithful rising up to God. The use of incense during elevations of the Eucharistic Prayer is one of the five occasions during the Mass when incense may be used, as identified by the General Instruction on the Roman Missal (GIRM).
During the Liturgy of the Eucharist, the thurifer, who carries the censer, kneels and bows at the waist to incense the Blessed Sacrament with three double swings at the height of his face. This is done during the elevation of the Body of the Lord and after the consecration of the Precious Blood. The same procedure is repeated after the consecration of the Precious Blood, and at the doxology which concludes the Eucharistic prayer.
The usage of incense during the Mass adds a sense of solemnity and mystery to the proceedings. The visual imagery of the smoke and the smell are meant to remind us of the transcendence of the Mass, linking heaven and earth, and allowing us to enter into the presence of God. The burning of incense is also said to symbolise the fragrant sacrifice of Our Lord, reminding us that our own earthly life will also be consumed, and we hope to ascend to heaven.
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Frequently asked questions
The use of incense during Mass is a symbol of the prayers of the faithful rising up to God. The smoke that rises from the burning of incense has been understood by the Christian community as a symbol of the prayers of the faithful rising.
Incense is used during the Entrance Procession at the beginning of Mass, at the proclamation of the Gospel, and the incensing of the offerings of bread and wine, the altar, the cross, the priest and the people at the beginning of the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
The smoke symbolizes the prayers of the faithful drifting up to heaven. It also adds a sense of solemnity and mystery to the Mass.
The first instance of incense appears over a thousand years before Jesus. It was mentioned in Exodus 24 when God came down as a large cloud over Mount Sinai, with fire, and Moses was called up into the cloud.
