Anisha Riggs
Incense has been used in Christian liturgy since its earliest days, continuing the Jewish tradition that came before it. The use of incense in Catholic Mass is to purify and sanctify, connecting our worship on earth with the worship of heaven. The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God’s people, is believed to rise up to God, creating the ambiance of heaven. The use of incense in Catholic Mass is thus seen as a powerful liturgical gift, transcending space and time, and adding a sense of solemnity and mystery to the Mass.
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What You'll Learn
- Incense is used to purify coffins at funerals and bless statues and images
- The smoke is interpreted as a symbol of the faithful's prayers rising to heaven
- Incense is swung by priests and altar servers during Mass
- It is used to incense the altar at the beginning of Mass
- Incense adds a sense of solemnity and mystery to the Mass
Incense is used to purify coffins at funerals and bless statues and images
Incense has been used in Catholic liturgies since the early days of Christianity, continuing the Jewish tradition that came before it. The first recorded use of incense for worship is from Egypt around 2400 B.C.
The use of incense is optional for most Masses, but it is used to purify coffins at funerals and bless statues and images. During funeral Masses, the priest at the final commendation may incense the coffin as a sign of honour to the body of the deceased, which became the temple of the Holy Spirit at Baptism. It is also used to symbolise the faithful's prayers for the deceased rising to God.
The smoke of incense is symbolic of sanctification and purification, and it also symbolises the prayers of the faithful. The Book of Revelation describes the heavenly worship as follows: "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, together with the prayers of God's people, went up before God from the angel's hand.
The use 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, which links heaven with earth, and allow us to enter into the presence of God.
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The smoke is interpreted as a symbol of the faithful's prayers rising to heaven
The use of incense during Catholic Mass is steeped in symbolism and ritual. While the exact origins of its use in Catholic liturgy are unknown, incense has been used in religious rituals since at least 2400 BC in Egypt, and even earlier in the Indus Valley Civilisation in 3600 BC. The use of incense in Catholic Mass is thought to have been adapted from Jewish Temple rituals, as the early Church continued to use incense in their practices.
The smoke from the incense is interpreted as a symbol of the faithful's prayers rising to heaven. This interpretation is supported by various passages in the Bible, such as 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 the altar, along with "the prayers of all God's holy ones." This imagery of smoke and prayer is further reinforced by the sensory experience of incense, creating an ambiance that helps worshippers connect with the divine and transcend the earthly realm.
The use of incense serves multiple purposes during Mass. Firstly, it symbolises purification and sanctification, as mentioned in the Old Testament, where the sweet aroma of incense is connected with the purification of sins. This idea of ritual cleansing is also seen in the Book of Exodus, where Moses uses incense as a means of atonement, protecting the Israelites from God's punishment. Additionally, during funeral Masses, incense may be used to purify the coffin and honour the deceased.
Furthermore, the act of incensing the altar at the beginning of Mass symbolises devotion and reverence for the Holy Gospel. It is a way to bless and honour the sacred words of God and acknowledge the presence of Christ in the Mass. The incense also serves as a visual and sensory reminder of the transcendence of the Mass, linking heaven and earth, and allowing worshippers to enter into the presence of God.
The use of incense in Catholic Mass is not mandatory and may be omitted by priests. However, its symbolic value and ability to engage the senses make it a powerful tool in liturgical practices, enhancing the solemnity and mystery of the Mass.
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Incense is swung by priests and altar servers during Mass
Incense is an important part of Catholic worship during Mass. Priests and altar servers swing censers that send clouds of incense through the air. The incense is believed to symbolise the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven. The smoke and the smell are thought to remind worshippers of the transcendence of the Mass, which links heaven and earth and allows them to enter the presence of God.
The use of incense in Catholic Mass is inspired by passages in the Bible, and its use in prayer and worship carries Christian symbolism. Incense has been used in Christian worship since antiquity, particularly in the Roman Catholic Church and Eastern Catholic Church. The practice is rooted in the earlier traditions of Judaism in the time of the Second Jewish Temple.
The purpose of incensing is purification and sanctification. For example, in the Eastern Rites at the beginning of Mass, the altar and sanctuary area are incensed while Psalm 50, the "Miserere", is chanted, invoking the mercy of God. Incense may also be used to purify the coffin at funerals and to bless statues and images.
Incense is used at various points during Mass. This includes 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.
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It is used to incense the altar at the beginning of Mass
Incense is used in Catholic Mass to purify and sanctify the altar and the sanctuary area at the beginning of the service. This practice is rooted in the earlier traditions of Judaism in the time of the Second Jewish Temple. The smoke from the incense is interpreted as a symbol of the faithful's prayers rising to heaven.
The use of incense in Catholic Mass is also meant to add a sense of solemnity and mystery to the service. The visual imagery of the smoke and the smell are meant to remind worshippers of the transcendence of the Mass, linking heaven and earth, and allowing them to enter into the presence of God. Incense is also used during the entrance procession, 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 first recorded use of incense for worship is from Egypt around 2400 B.C., and it has been employed in Christian worship since antiquity, particularly in the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Catholic Church, Orthodox Christian churches, Lutheran Churches, Old Catholic/Liberal Catholic Churches, and some Anglican Churches.
In addition to its use in Mass, incense is also used in Catholic funeral services to purify the coffin and bless the deceased, as well as in other liturgical services where it is swung by priests and altar servers to send clouds of incense into the air.
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Incense adds a sense of solemnity and mystery to the Mass
The use of incense during Catholic Mass is a powerful liturgical gift that adds a sense of solemnity and mystery to the service. 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 the presence of God. This symbolism is rooted in the Bible, where the elders are described as holding "gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of the holy ones" (Revelation 5:8).
Incense has been used in Christian worship since antiquity, particularly in the Roman Catholic Church, and its use is not arbitrary or "just for show". In the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, incense may be used during the entrance procession, at the beginning of Mass, during 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.
During funeral Masses, the priest may incense the coffin as a sign of honour to the deceased and as a symbol of the faithful's prayers rising to God. Incense may also be used to purify the coffin, bless statues and images, and incense the Crucifix and the Paschal Candle.
The use of incense at Mass is a reminder of the divine origin of the worship of God in the Christian liturgy. It is a sign of devotion and reverence towards the Holy Gospel and Christ's Holy Sacrifice.
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Frequently asked questions
Incense is used during Catholic Mass to purify and sanctify the proceedings. The smoke of the incense is interpreted as a symbol of the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven. The sense of solemnity and mystery that the incense adds to the Mass is meant to remind the congregation of the transcendence of the Mass, which links heaven and earth.
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. During funeral Masses, the priest may also incense the coffin.
Incense is used to symbolise the divine origin of the Mass and to remind the congregation that they are united with the worship offered to God in Heaven by His Angels and Saints. The elders in the Bible are described as holding "golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints". Incense is therefore used to symbolise the prayers of the congregation rising to God.
