Anisha Riggs
The use of incense by Catholic priests during Mass is a tradition that dates back thousands of years. The practice is believed to have originated from the ancient world, where it was commonly used in religious rites to ward off demons. The Bible also mentions the use of incense, with God commanding Moses to build an altar for burning incense. Today, Catholic priests burn incense during various parts of the Mass, such as the entrance procession, the beginning of Mass, the proclamation of the Gospel, and the elevation of the Sacred Host. The incense is believed to symbolize the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven and is used to bless and sanctify the altar and other objects.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To keep demons away, to symbolise sanctification and purification, to symbolise prayers rising to heaven, to bless/sanctify things, to symbolise the importance of the Eucharist to prayer life |
| Use | During the entrance procession, at the beginning of Mass to incense the altar, at the proclamation of the Gospel, at the offertory to incense the offerings, altar, priest and people, at the elevation of the Sacred Host and chalice of Precious Blood after the consecration, during funeral Masses to incense the coffin |
| History | The use of incense was commanded by God as early as Exodus, and the Jews used incense in their Temple rituals, so it is believed that Christians adapted its usage for their own rituals |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Incense symbolises prayers rising to heaven
Incense has been used in religious rites since ancient times, including in the ancient world among the Assyrians, Babylonians, and Egyptians. In Judaism, incense was included in the thanksgiving offerings of oil, rain, fruits, and wine. The Lord instructed Moses to build a golden altar for burning incense, which was placed in front of the veil to the entrance of the meeting tent where the ark of the covenant was kept.
Catholicism, being a continuation of the Israelite liturgy, also uses incense during Mass and other liturgical services. Priests and altar servers swing censers that send clouds of incense wafting through the air. The smoke of incense is symbolic of sanctification and purification. It also symbolizes the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven.
In the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, incense may be 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 priest may also incense the Crucifix and the Paschal Candle. During funeral Masses, the priest at the final commendation may incense the coffin, symbolizing the faithful's prayers for the deceased rising to God.
The usage of incense adds 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, linking heaven with earth and allowing us to enter into the presence of God. Incense is a powerful liturgical gift that helps worshippers enter into the eternal reality of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass through the use of their external senses.
Incense as Insect Repellent: Do They Work?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It is used to bless and sanctify
Incense is used in Catholic liturgies to symbolise a theological truth. It is used to bless and sanctify.
The use of incense in Catholic liturgies dates back to the early Christians, who adopted it from the Jews. In the Bible, God commanded Moses to build an altar for burning incense (Exodus 30:1-10). This altar was placed in front of the veil to the entrance of the meeting tent where the ark of the covenant was kept. Similarly, God commanded Aaron, Israel's first high priest, to burn incense every morning and night (Exodus 30:7-8).
Incense is used to bless and sanctify the altar, preparing it for the sacrifice and honouring it as the place of sacrifice. The altar is the holiest location inside any Catholic Church. The priest may also incense the crucifix and the paschal candle. During funeral masses, the priest incenses the coffin as a sign of honour to the deceased and as a sign of the faithful's prayers for the departed.
The smoke of incense symbolises sanctification and purification. It also symbolises the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven. Incense creates the ambiance of heaven, connecting us to God's altar in heaven and allowing us to utilise all of our senses in our prayers.
Burning Granular Incense: A Beginner's Guide to Getting Started
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It adds solemnity and mystery to Mass
The use of incense during Mass adds solemnity and mystery to the proceedings in several ways. Firstly, it is a powerful symbol of sanctification and purification, both of the altar and of the congregation. The smoke of the incense rising towards the heavens is a visual reminder of the transcendence of the Mass, linking earth and heaven and allowing the congregation to enter the presence of God.
The use of incense also adds solemnity and mystery to Mass by evoking the past and the ancient rituals of the Israelites and early Christians. The Bible records the use of incense in the Temple and Tabernacle, and the early Church continued to use it in their rituals. Incense thus brings to mind the ancient rituals of the Jews and the early Christians, and the miracles and mighty presence of God.
The sweet fragrance of the incense also adds to the solemnity of the Mass, creating an ambiance of heaven and a pleasant sensory experience for the congregation. The smoke of the incense also obscures the sense of sight, adding to the mystery of the Mass.
The use of incense during Mass is thus a powerful symbol of sanctification and purification, a link between earth and heaven, and an evocation of the ancient rituals of the Israelites and early Christians.
Incense and Cats: A Safe Combination?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It is used during processions
Incense is used by Catholic priests during processions for several symbolic reasons. Firstly, it represents the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven. This idea is referenced in the Bible, specifically in Psalm 141, which reads, "Let my prayer come like incense before you; the lifting up of my hands, like the evening sacrifice". The Book of Revelation also describes a similar scene of heavenly worship, where an angel brings incense to an altar of gold before God. Thus, the smoke from the incense symbolizes the prayers of the faithful drifting up to heaven and connects them to God's altar.
Additionally, the use of incense during processions adds a sense of solemnity and mystery to the Mass. The visual imagery of the smoke and the fragrance remind those present of the transcendence of the Mass, linking heaven and earth. This creates an ambiance of heaven and allows those in attendance to enter into the presence of God.
Incense is also used to purify and sanctify the procession. The smoke from the incense is believed to drive away evil spirits and please the gods, granting protection and prosperity to those in the procession. This idea is supported by the New Age practice of "smudging," which involves using fragrant smoke to purify an area and create a positive atmosphere.
Furthermore, the use of incense during processions may be a continuation of the Israelite liturgy. In the Book of Exodus, God commands Moses to build a golden altar for burning incense, placed before the veil to the entrance of the meeting tent where the ark of the covenant was kept. This altar was to stand next to the altar of sacrifice and was to be burned constantly, just like the oil lamps, as a sign of God's presence.
Incense Scents: Spiritual or Paranormal?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It is a continuation of ancient Jewish practices
The use of incense in Catholicism is indeed a continuation of ancient Jewish practices. In the Bible, God commanded Moses to make an altar of incense for worship in the Tabernacle. The Book of Exodus describes the recipe for this sacred incense, which was to be burned by Aaron every morning and evening. The altar of incense was placed in front of the veil to the entrance of the meeting tent where the ark of the covenant was kept.
Incense was also used in the Temple in Jerusalem during the First and Second Temple periods. In the New Testament, Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, was offering incense in the Temple when the angel Gabriel announced the forthcoming birth of his son. The New Testament also records the use of incense by the Three Kings, who brought frankincense to the Baby Jesus, recognising his role as a priest.
The early Church, which formed the basis of Catholicism, adopted many Jewish practices, including the use of incense, to enhance the worship experience. The use of incense in the ancient world was common, especially in religious rites, and was used to keep demons away. The smoke of incense is also symbolic of sanctification and purification, as well as the prayers of the faithful rising to God.
In the Catholic Church, incense is used during Mass and other liturgical celebrations. The priest incenses the altar as a sign of honour and to prepare it for the Sacrifice of the Mass, which is the consecration of bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ (the Eucharist). The incense also blesses and sanctifies the altar, which is considered the holiest location inside any Catholic Church.
Mosquito Incense: Effective Pest Control or Just Smoke?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The burning of incense is a prayer in itself. It is believed to symbolise sanctification, purification, and the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven.
Incense may be burned during the entrance procession, at the beginning of Mass, at the proclamation of the Gospel, at the offertory, and at the elevation of the Sacred Host and chalice of Precious Blood after the consecration.
The incense burned by Catholic priests is pure myrrh, the same fragrance that was used to anoint Jesus' body at the tomb.
