Lance Carson
Incense is burned during Catholic Mass to symbolise the sanctification and purification of the Mass, linking Heaven and Earth. The use of incense in Catholic Mass dates back to the 5th century, with the first documented history of its use coming from the Eastern branch of the Church. The smoke of the incense symbolises the prayers of the faithful rising up to Heaven, creating an ambiance of Heaven on Earth. The type of incense burned during Catholic Mass is usually a blend of frankincense (gum olibanum) with myrrh, benzoin, and other resinous and aromatic ingredients.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Symbol of prayer, sanctification and purification |
| Composition | Blend of frankincense (gum olibanum), myrrh, benzoin, styrax, opoponax, essential oils and other resinous and aromatic ingredients |
| Usage | Burned during processions, at the beginning of Mass, to incense the altar, at the proclamation of the Gospel, at the offertory, to incense offerings, altar, priest and people, at the elevation of the Sacred Host and chalice of Precious Blood after the consecration, at the Benedictus and Magnificat during Lauds and Vespers, for the exposition and benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, for the incensing of the celebrant and assisting clergy, to bless statues and images, to purify the coffin at funerals, to bless new altars during consecration |
| Religious Significance | Connects worship on earth with worship of heaven, symbolises the prayers of the faithful drifting up to heaven, connects with Christ's Holy Sacrifice, symbolises the birth and foreshadows the death of Jesus Christ, symbolises Mary's anointing of Jesus at Bethany, symbolises the promise of everlasting life, symbolises God's constant guiding presence |
| History | Mentioned in the Bible, used in the Jewish offering of incense during the Old Testament period, used in the Eastern branch of the Church in the 5th century, mentioned in Ordo Romanus VIII of Saint Amand in the 7th century, documented history of incensing the Evangeliary (Book of Gospels) during Mass dates from the 11th century |
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What You'll Learn
Incense used is often frankincense and myrrh
Incense is used in Catholic Mass to symbolise the prayers of the faithful rising up to heaven. The smoke and smell of the incense reinforce the transcendence of the Mass, linking heaven and earth, and allowing worshippers to enter the presence of God. The use of incense in Catholic Mass is optional, but it is often used to purify the coffin at funerals and to bless statues and images.
The incense used in Catholic Mass is typically a blend of frankincense (also known as gum olibanum) and myrrh, with the possible addition of benzoin and other resinous and aromatic ingredients such as styrax and opoponax, as well as essential oils. Frankincense and myrrh are also blessed at the Mass of the Feast of the Epiphany to commemorate the visitation of the Biblical Magi to the Baby Jesus. This incense is then distributed to attendees to use at their family altars and again at Easter to prepare their home paschal candles.
The use of frankincense and myrrh in Catholic Mass has its roots in the Bible. In Exodus, God commands Moses to make an altar of incense for worship in the Tabernacle:
> "You shall make an altar to burn incense upon; of acacia wood shall you make it... And Aaron shall burn fragrant incense on it; every morning when he dresses the lamps he shall burn it, and when Aaron sets up the lamps in the evening, he shall burn it, a perpetual incense before the Lord throughout your generations." (Exodus 30:1-10)
God also gives Moses a recipe for making the incense:
> "Take these aromatic substances: storax, onycha and galbanum, these and pure frankincense in equal parts; and blend them into incense. This fragrant powder, expertly prepared, is to be salted and so kept pure and sacred. Grind some of it into fine dust and put this before the covenant in the tent of meeting where I will meet with you. This incense shall be treated as most sacred by you." (Exodus 30:34-36)
In the New Testament, frankincense was one of the gifts brought by the Three Kings to the Baby Jesus, symbolising his role as a priest, prophet and king. St. John the Apostle also recorded seeing incense being used at God's heavenly throne in his apocalyptic visions of heaven.
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It symbolises the prayers of the faithful
Incense is burned during Catholic mass as a symbol of sanctification and purification. The rising smoke symbolises the prayers of the faithful drifting up to heaven. This is supported by Psalm 141: "Let my prayer rise before you like incense, O Lord".
The use of incense in Catholic mass is believed to connect the worshipper to God's altar in heaven, allowing them to utilise all their senses in their prayers. The visual imagery of the smoke and the smell reinforce the transcendence of the mass, linking heaven and earth. Incense is also believed to create 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. From the angel’s hand, the smoke of the incense went up before God, and with it the prayers of God’s people.
The use of incense in Catholic mass is also practical, as it helps to train altar servers to serve beautifully and consistently, turning their service into a "'prayer in action'.
The burning of incense during Catholic mass has its roots in the ancient world, where it was commonly used in religious rites to keep demons away. It was also used in ancient China and in Buddhist, Shinto, and Taoist ceremonies. The first recorded use of incense for worship is from Egypt around 2400 BC.
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It's used to purify the coffin at funerals
Incense is used during Catholic funeral rites to purify the coffin and honour the deceased. The smoke from the incense symbolises the purification of the coffin and the soul of the deceased, driving away evil spirits and pleasing the good spirits. This practice is believed to have its roots in pagan religions, where incense was considered a "spiritual offering" that served as an intermediary between earth and air.
The use of incense during Catholic funeral rites holds significant meaning. Firstly, it expresses reverence and respect for the deceased. The incense smoke symbolises the prayers of the community of believers, rising to God as a farewell to the departed soul. This idea is supported by the Book of Revelation, which describes heavenly worship with angels standing amid clouds of incense, connecting the worship on earth with that in heaven.
Additionally, the use of incense during Catholic funeral rites is a symbol of prayer and sanctification. The smoke rising towards and surrounding the coffin represents the purification of the soul and its ascension to heaven. This practice is deeply rooted in the Catholic tradition, where incense is believed to create an ambiance of heaven and connect the faithful to God's altar.
The type of incense used during Catholic funeral rites may vary, but frankincense is commonly recognised as the main ingredient in Roman Catholic incense. However, some parishes may use myrrh as the primary component, and additional aromatic ingredients and essential oils may be included to enhance the aroma.
The burning of incense during Catholic funeral rites is a symbolic and ceremonial practice that holds great importance in the Catholic Church. It serves as a means of showing respect for the deceased, offering prayers for their soul, and symbolically purifying the coffin and the surrounding atmosphere.
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It's burned atop new altars during consecration
Incense is burned during Catholic Mass for several reasons, including its ability to create an atmosphere of solemnity and beauty, to symbolise the prayers of the faithful, and to connect the Mass to Christ's sacrifice. The use of incense during Catholic Mass is also rooted in the Old Testament, where God commanded His people to burn incense as a sacramental offering.
Incense is also burned atop new altars during the consecration process before their first use. This practice is part of the rite of dedication of a new church or altar and is mentioned in the Ceremonial of Bishops. The bishop will cover the altar with sacred chrism oil and place five braziers on the five wounds (crosses) on the altar top. He will then fill the braziers with incense, creating a visual connection to the use of incense in the Book of Revelation.
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. From the angel’s hand, the smoke of the incense went up before God, and with it the prayers of God’s people." Burning incense atop new altars during consecration thus symbolically connects the altar to God's altar in heaven.
Additionally, the use of incense during consecration reinforces the transcendence of the Mass, linking Heaven and Earth and allowing those present to enter into the presence of God. The smoke and smell of incense create a multisensory experience that engages sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch, enhancing the salvific grace of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
Overall, the burning of incense during the consecration of new altars holds significant theological and symbolic value in the Catholic Mass, contributing to the solemnity and spiritual connection of the ceremony.
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It adds solemnity and beauty to the mass
Incense has been used in Catholic liturgies for centuries. The smoke of the incense is said to symbolise the sanctification and purification of the soul, as well as the prayers of the faithful rising up to heaven.
The use of incense during Catholic Mass is steeped in symbolism and ritual. Firstly, it is seen as a prayer in itself—a prayer in action. The act of burning incense is believed to connect the worship on earth with the worship of heaven, creating a multisensory experience that engages sight, smell and touch. This is supported by the Book of Revelation, which describes heavenly worship with angels standing amid clouds of incense, singing God's praise.
The use of incense during Mass also has a practical purpose. It is used to train Altar Servers to serve beautifully and gracefully, ensuring consistency and grace in their movements. The repetition of actions and rituals during Mass is believed to foster a deeper understanding of the meaning behind the gestures and devotions.
Furthermore, the visual imagery and aroma of the incense create an atmosphere of solemnity and beauty, befitting the greatest gift given by Christ to His Church. The sweet fragrance and swirling smoke add a sense of mystery and awe to the Mass, enhancing the overall experience and engaging the senses in a way that transcends the ordinary.
The burning of incense during Catholic Mass is thus a meaningful and symbolic act that adds depth and solemnity to the worship experience, connecting the earthly and the divine.
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Frequently asked questions
Burning incense is a prayer in itself, connecting the worship on earth with the worship of heaven. It also symbolises sanctification and purification.
Most Catholic churches use a blend of frankincense (also known as gum olibanum) with myrrh, benzoin, and other aromatic ingredients and essential oils.
Incense is burned at various points during Mass, including during the entrance procession, at the beginning to incense the altar, during the proclamation of the Gospel, at the offertory, and at the elevation of the Sacred Host and chalice of Precious Blood.
The use of incense in religious rites is ancient, dating back to the Old Testament and early Jewish rituals. The documented history of using incense during Catholic Mass specifically goes back to the 5th century.
The incense used during Catholic Mass is often described as having a sweet fragrance.
