Heidi Norton
Incense is used in Catholic worship to symbolise the act of purification and sanctification. The smoke from burning incense is interpreted as a symbol of the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven. The Bible mentions incense 170 times, and the practice is rooted in the earlier traditions of Judaism in the time of the Second Jewish Temple. The most prevalent ingredient in Catholic incense is frankincense, but the primary ingredient may vary from parish to parish. Other common ingredients include myrrh, benzoin, styrax, copal or other aromatics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main ingredients | Frankincense, myrrh |
| Other ingredients | Benzoin, styrax, copal, other aromatics |
| Use | Purification, protection against evil, blessing, symbolising prayers rising to heaven, symbolising transcendence of Mass, connecting worship on earth with worship of heaven |
| Timing | During entrance procession, at the beginning of Mass, during the procession and proclamation of the Gospel, at the offertory, at the elevation of the Sacred Host and chalice of Precious Blood after the consecration, during the Sanctus, at funerals, during Benediction and processions, during the Easter Vigil, at the Mass of the Feast of the Epiphany, at home for prayer or to commemorate special Feast Days |
| Bible mentions | 170 times, including Psalm 141 (140), verse 2, Revelation of John 5:8, 8:3, Malachi 1:11 |
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What You'll Learn
- Frankincense and myrrh are the most common notes in Catholic incense
- Other aromatics include benzoin, styrax, copal and more
- The use of incense in Catholic Mass is optional
- Incense is used to symbolise the purification of objects and people
- The smoke from burning incense symbolises the prayers of the faithful rising to Heaven
Frankincense and myrrh are the most common notes in Catholic incense
Incense plays a significant role in Catholic worship, with its use dating back to ancient times. The Bible mentions incense 170 times, and its smoke is believed to symbolise the prayers of the faithful rising to Heaven. This symbolism is beautifully captured in Psalm 141 (140), verse 2: "Let my prayer be directed as incense in thy sight: the lifting up of my hands, as the evening sacrifice."
Myrrh, another resin obtained from the Commiphora family of trees, is also commonly used in Catholic incense. According to CatholicCulture.org, myrrh is described as a "gum resin used as an ingredient in incense and oil of the sick." The use of both frankincense and myrrh in Catholic incense holds symbolic significance, representing purification and sanctification.
The sweet fragrance of frankincense and myrrh fills the sanctuary during Catholic ceremonies, creating a heavenly atmosphere. The priest blesses the incense with the Sign of the Cross, and the smoke rising from the censer symbolises the connection between worship on earth and in heaven. This practice is not limited to Mass but also extends to other liturgical celebrations, such as Benediction and processions.
The use of frankincense and myrrh in Catholic incense holds symbolic and spiritual significance. The sweet fragrance of these resins creates a sacred atmosphere, enhancing the connection between the faithful and the divine. While the specific ingredients may vary across parishes, frankincense and myrrh remain the predominant notes in Catholic incense, uniting Catholics worldwide in their worship.
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Other aromatics include benzoin, styrax, copal and more
The use of incense in Catholic liturgy is a traditional practice with roots in antiquity. The most prevalent ingredient in Roman Catholic incense is frankincense, with myrrh also being commonly used.
However, other aromatics may be used to enhance the fragrance and produce thicker smoke. These include benzoin, styrax, and copal. Benzoin resin, obtained from the Commiphora wightii tree, has been used as incense in ancient India, where it was burned over embers to release perfumed smoke. Copal, a fragrant tree resin, is also commonly used in incense. It is produced by trees in the Bursera genus, which are native to tropical regions of the Americas.
The use of incense in Catholic worship is not limited to specific formulations or traditions. Priests may use other forms of incense, even those outside of Catholic tradition. Incense sticks, for example, are commonly used in East Asian Buddhist ceremonies and Shinto shrines, and they may also be employed in Catholic worship.
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The use of incense in Catholic Mass is optional
Incense has been used in religious ceremonies for thousands of years, including in ancient Egypt, China, and in Buddhist, Shinto, and Taoist ceremonies. The Bible mentions incense 170 times, and the Talmud also notes its use. The earliest documented history of using incense during a Catholic liturgy dates to the 5th century, with the rituals of the Divine Liturgies of Saint James and Saint Mark.
The use of incense in Catholic Mass is indeed optional. While it is a well-established tradition, with roots in antiquity, many Catholic priests choose not to use it. Over the last 50 years, many Catholic traditions have been abandoned and forgotten, with some priests opting for simplification and greater accessibility.
However, incense remains an important part of Catholic worship for those who choose to use it. It is employed to purify objects, such as coffins during funeral Masses, and to bless statues and images. The smoke from burning incense is also symbolic, representing the prayers of the faithful rising up to Heaven. This symbolism is referenced in the Bible, in Psalm 141: "Let my prayer come like incense before you; the lifting up of my hands, like the evening sacrifice."
The use of incense at different points during the Mass is significant. According to 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 sweet fragrance and smoke of incense, typically containing frankincense and myrrh, contribute to the ambiance of the Mass, creating a sense of solemnity, mystery, and transcendence. It helps to reinforce the connection between Heaven and Earth, allowing those present to enter into the presence of God.
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Incense is used to symbolise the purification of objects and people
Incense is used in many of the world's major religions, including Christianity, Buddhism, Shintoism, Judaism, and Islam. It is mentioned in the Bible 170 times and is noted in the Talmud. Incense is also mentioned in the Holy Scriptures, where it is associated with sanctification and purification.
In the Catholic Church, incense is used to symbolise the purification of objects and people. The smoke from burning incense is believed to symbolise the purification of the space occupied by the tabernacle. This is illustrated by the Chaldean Rite of the Catholic Church, in which those preparing to receive Holy Communion during the Holy Qurbono purify their hands by holding them in the smoke above a bowl of burning incense. Similarly, in the Maronite Rite, liturgical vessels are purified by being inverted over burning incense to catch the fragrant smoke.
The use of incense in Catholic liturgy has its roots in antiquity, with documented history dating back to the 5th century. The rituals of the Divine Liturgies of Saint James and Saint Mark from this period include the use of incense. The Catholic Encyclopedia mentions that grains of incense are placed into the sepulcher of consecrated altars without being burnt.
The most prevalent ingredient in Roman Catholic incense is frankincense, a white resin obtained from balsam trees. However, the specific ingredients may vary between parishes, with some using myrrh as the main or sole ingredient. These resins are obtained from trees, primarily those growing in the Middle East.
During Mass, incense may be used at various points, including during the entrance procession, at the beginning to incense the altar, and during the proclamation of the Gospel. The use of incense during these rituals symbolises the purification of the objects and people involved in the ceremony.
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The smoke from burning incense symbolises the prayers of the faithful rising to Heaven
Incense has been used in religious ceremonies for millennia, with the first recorded use dating back to Egypt around 2400 BC. It has been used in Christian worship since antiquity, and its use is inspired by passages in the Bible, which mentions incense 170 times. The practice is rooted in the earlier traditions of Judaism, where it was understood as a form of sacrifice or spiritual offering to God.
The smoke from burning incense is interpreted by the Catholic Church as a symbol of the prayers of the faithful rising to Heaven. This symbolism is seen in Psalm 141 (140), verse 2: "Let my prayer be directed as incense in thy sight: the lifting up of my hands, as the evening sacrifice". The use of incense in Catholic Mass is thus an important part of worship, connecting our worship on Earth with the worship of Heaven.
The most prevalent ingredient in Roman Catholic incense is frankincense, a white resin obtained from balsam trees, but the primary ingredient may vary from parish to parish. Some parishes may use myrrh, a resin obtained from trees that grow primarily in the Middle East, as the main or sole ingredient. Other ingredients used to enhance the aroma include benzoin, styrax, copal, or other aromatics.
Incense is used at several points during a Catholic Mass, including during the entrance procession, at the beginning of Mass to incense the altar, at the procession and proclamation of the Gospel, and at the elevation of the Sacred Host and chalice of Precious Blood after the consecration. It is also used during the Sanctus, when the faithful sing "Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts, heaven and earth are full of your glory". The use of incense at the Elevation of the Eucharist gives a sense of special reverence for the Eucharist and its importance in the prayer life of Catholics.
In addition to its use during Mass, incense is also used during funerals to purify the coffin, and to bless statues and images. It is also customary for many Catholics to burn incense at home to commemorate special Feast Days or mark times of prayer.
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Frequently asked questions
Frankincense.
Myrrh, benzoin, styrax, copal, and other aromatics.
The smoke from Catholic incense is interpreted as a symbol of the prayer of the faithful rising to heaven.
The use of incense in Catholic worship is rooted in the earlier traditions of Judaism during the time of the Second Jewish Temple.
Burning incense is used to purify objects and people, and to symbolize sanctification.
