Lance Carson
Incense has been used in the Catholic Church for centuries, adding an extra layer of solemnity to proceedings. The practice is believed to have originated in Egypt around 2400 B.C. and was included in the rituals of the Divine Liturgies of Saints James and Mark in the 5th century. The burning of incense is a prayer in itself, symbolizing the devotion of the faithful and their prayers rising to heaven. The incense smoke is believed to have the power to purify all that it touches, and it is used to bless statues and images and to purify coffins at funerals. The sweet scent of incense also helps create an atmosphere of tranquility and sacredness, enhancing the worship experience.
Characteristics and Values of Lighting Incense in Catholic Liturgy
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Incense type | Frankincense, myrrh, benzoin, copal, cassia, sandalwood |
| Incense state | Powder, grains, large grain |
| Incense vessel | Censer, thurible |
| Fire source | Charcoal, briquette |
| Fire safety | Fire extinguisher, water |
| Timing | Before Mass, during entrance procession, at the beginning of Mass, during the procession and proclamation of the Gospel, at the offertory |
| Symbolism | Prayer, sanctification, purification, worship, devotion |
| Ritual | Incense placed on charcoal, censer/thurible swung by priests and altar servers |
| Purpose | Connects worship on earth with worship in heaven, enhances spiritual experience |
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What You'll Learn
Incense in Catholic worship
Incense has been used in Christian liturgy since its earliest days, continuing the Jewish tradition that came before it. In Judaism, God commanded Moses to build a golden altar for burning incense (Exodus 30:1-10). This was placed in in front of the veil to the entrance of the meeting tent where the ark of the covenant was kept.
The use of incense in Catholic worship adds a sense of solemnity and mystery to the Mass. The visual imagery of the smoke and the smell remind Catholics of the transcendence of the Mass, which links heaven and earth, and allows them to enter into the presence of God. The smoke symbolically purifies all that it touches. In the Maronite Rite of the Catholic Church, liturgical vessels are inverted over burning incense to catch the fragrant smoke before their use.
The burning of incense is a prayer in itself. The smoke symbolizes the prayers of the faithful drifting up to heaven. Incense creates the ambiance of heaven, as described in the Book of Revelation:
> "Another angel came in holding a censer of gold. He took his place at the altar of incense and was given large amounts of incense to deposit on the altar of gold in front of the throne, together with the prayers of all God’s holy ones." (Revelation 8:3-4)
The use of incense is optional for most Masses. It is used to purify the coffin at funerals and to bless statues and images. However, many Catholic priests choose not to use incense at Mass, and many Catholics have forgotten the meaning of incense in worship.
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Incense as prayer
Incense has been used in religious worship for thousands of years, including in ancient China and in Jewish temple worship. The practice plays a role in Buddhist, Shinto, and Taoist ceremonies, too. The first recorded use of incense for worship is from Egypt around 2400 B.C.
The use of incense in the Catholic Church is thought to have been influenced by its use in Jewish temple worship. The earliest documented history of using incense during a Catholic sacrificial liturgy comes from the Eastern branch of the Church. The rituals of the 5th-century Divine Liturgies of Saint James and Saint Mark include the use of incense.
The use of incense is optional for most Catholic Masses. It is used to purify the coffin at funerals and to bless statues and images. However, many Catholic priests choose not to use incense at Mass, and the people of many parishes have forgotten the uses and meanings of incense in worship.
Incense is a prayer in itself. The smoke symbolizes the prayers of the faithful drifting up to heaven. Incense creates the ambiance of heaven and connects us to God's altar. It is used during the entrance procession at the beginning of Mass, to incense the altar, at 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 at home is thought to have been historically exceptional for laypeople because of the expense involved. However, it is certainly permissible. A layman would only use a hand censer, not a swinging censer like the clergy typically use. When a person censes with a hand censer, the censer is held in the right hand, and the sign of the cross is made with the censer over whatever he is censing. Then the censer is placed in the left hand, and he makes the sign of the cross and bows.
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Incense in Catholic Mass
Incense has been used in religious worship for thousands of years, including in ancient China, Egypt, and in Buddhist, Shinto, and Taoist ceremonies. The first recorded use of incense for worship dates back to Egypt around 2400 B.C. The use of incense in Catholic Mass is optional and many priests choose not to use it. However, it is an important part of Catholic worship and adds a sense of solemnity and mystery to the Mass.
The smoke of the incense symbolizes the prayers of the faithful drifting up to heaven and creates an ambiance of heaven. The Book of Revelation describes heavenly worship, stating: "Another angel came in holding a censer of gold. He took his place at the altar of incense and was given large amounts of incense to deposit on the altar of gold in front of the throne, together with the prayers of all God's holy ones." The smoke of the incense, along with the prayers of God's people, rises up to God.
Incense is used during the entrance procession at the beginning of Mass, to incense the altar, at 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. It is also used during funeral Masses to honour the deceased and as a sign of the faithful's prayers rising to God.
The use of incense in Catholic Mass has evolved over the years, with the earliest documented history of its use in the Eastern branch of the Church, dating back to the 5th century in the liturgies of Saints James and Mark. In the 7th century, the Ordo Romanus VIII of Saint Amand mentions the use of incense during the procession of a bishop to the altar on Good Friday. The documented history of incensing the Evangeliary (Book of Gospels) during Mass dates back to the 11th century.
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Incense in Catholic rituals
Incense has been used in Catholic rituals for centuries, adding an extra layer of solemnity to the proceedings. The use of incense in Catholic worship is said to have its roots in ancient Egypt around 2400 B.C., with the first recorded use in a non-Asian context. The practice was also prevalent in ancient China and has been a part of Buddhist, Shinto, and Taoist ceremonies.
The burning of incense in Catholic rituals is steeped in symbolism and holds a sacred significance. The sweet, tranquil aroma of incense is believed to purify all that it touches, creating an atmosphere of serenity and sacredness. The smoke of the incense, along with the prayers of the faithful, is thought to ascend to God, connecting earthly worship with the worship of heaven. This belief is supported by the apostle John's vision in the Book of Revelation, where he describes elders holding "gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of the holy ones" (Revelation 5:8).
Incense is used in various Catholic rituals, both within and outside of Mass. During Mass, incense is often swung by a server during the Sanctus, as the priest offers the Lamb of God on the altar. It is also used to purify the coffin at funerals and to bless statues and images. Additionally, frankincense and myrrh are blessed during the Feast of the Epiphany, commemorating the visitation of the Biblical Magi to Baby Jesus.
Beyond the Mass, incense plays a role in solemn processions, graveside services, and the blessing of new churches, cemeteries, and sacred items. It is also used in the consecration of holy oils and during the singing of the Gospel canticle at Morning and Evening Prayers. The burning of incense is not mandatory for most Masses, and its use has declined in recent years, with many Catholic priests opting to forgo it to simplify worship and make it more accessible.
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Lighting incense safely
Incense is a great way to fill your space with a soothing aroma, but it's important to follow safety guidelines when lighting and burning incense. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure you can enjoy your incense safely:
Choosing the Right Incense and Incense Holder:
Before lighting your incense, it's important to select the right type for your needs. Incense sticks are the most common form and come in two varieties: those with a core and those without. Incense with a core tends to have a stronger aroma, while coreless incense has a lighter fragrance. If you're burning incense in a small space, opt for coreless incense or make your own with pure incense material.
Next, choose a suitable incense holder or censer. These come in various shapes and sizes, and your choice will depend on the type of incense you're using. If you have coreless incense, a simple incense holder will suffice. For cored incense, consider using an incense "boat," which is a long, thin piece of wood, metal, or ceramic with a small hole at one end to catch any falling ash.
Lighting the Incense:
To light your incense, hold it at one end and use a match or lighter to ignite the other end. Ensure the incense is immersed in the flame until it ignites and a small flame is visible. Hold the flame to the stick for about 10 seconds, then gently blow it out or fan it until the flame is extinguished. You should then see a small glowing ember and tendril of smoke. If you don't see the ember, you may need to relight the incense and try again.
Burning the Incense:
Once your incense is lit, place it in the incense holder, ensuring it's stable and secure. Always burn your incense in a well-ventilated room to prevent smoke accumulation and reduce respiratory irritation. However, avoid placing the incense near open windows or doors, as strong drafts can cause uneven burning or accelerate the burning process. Keep the incense away from flammable materials such as curtains or drapes, and never leave burning incense unattended.
Extinguishing the Incense:
It's best to let the incense burn completely, as prematurely putting it out can result in an unpleasant smell. However, if you need to extinguish the incense before it burns out, you can do so by dipping the tip in water or pressing it against a heat-resistant surface. Always make sure to extinguish incense before going to bed or leaving a room unattended, as burning incense can pose a fire hazard.
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Frequently asked questions
The burning of incense is a prayer in itself, symbolic of sanctification and purification. It also signifies the prayers of the faithful ascending to heaven.
The two most common types of incense used in the Catholic Church are frankincense and myrrh.
Incense is used during the entrance procession, at the beginning of Mass, to incense the altar, at the procession and proclamation of the Gospel, at the offertory, and at the elevation of the Sacred Host and chalice of Precious Blood after the consecration.
Lighting incense requires careful attention to safety. It is recommended to have a fire extinguisher and water nearby when lighting coals. Incense (in powder form) should not be put onto the charcoal too soon, as it may smother the fire.
The use of incense in religious worship predates Christianity by thousands of years. The first recorded use of incense for worship is from Egypt around 2400 B.C. The use of incense in the Catholic Church was influenced by Jewish temple worship, which was commanded by God in the Book of Exodus.
