Seamus Hammond
Incense is used in many religious ceremonies, including Catholic Mass. The use of incense in Catholic Mass is optional and is usually reserved for more solemn occasions. Incense is often used during the entrance procession, at the beginning of Mass to incense the altar, at the offertory, and at the elevation of the Sacred Host and Chalice of Precious Blood after the consecration. The smoke that rises from burning incense is seen as a symbol of the prayers of the faithful rising to God. However, the use of incense can be problematic for some people, with many suffering from allergies and breathing difficulties.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use of incense | Optional for most masses |
| Incense during mass | During the entrance procession, at the beginning of Mass to incense the altar, at the Gospel procession and proclamation, at the preparation of offerings, and at the showings of the Host and Chalice during the Eucharistic prayer |
| Incense during funeral masses | To incense the coffin as a sign of honour to the deceased |
| Incense during special masses | Used sparingly during special celebrations |
| History of incense in mass | First recorded use of incense for worship dates back to Egypt around 2400 B.C. |
| Incense in the Old Testament | God instructed Moses to build an altar for burning incense at the entrance to the meeting tent where the ark of the covenant was kept |
| Incense in the New Testament | Mentioned in the liturgies of Saints James and Mark, which originate in the 5th century |
| Incense in the 7th century | Used in the procession of a Bishop to the altar and on Good Friday |
| Incense in the 11th century | Used at the offertory |
| Incense in the 12th century | Used at the Introit |
| Incense in the 13th century | Used at the Benedictus and Magnificat during Lauds and Vespers |
| Incense in the 14th century | Used for the exposition and benediction of the Blessed Sacrament |
| Health concerns | Some people have allergic reactions or breathing difficulties |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Incense is used to purify the coffin at funerals
Incense is used at Mass to symbolise prayer and sanctification, and as a means of purification. The use of incense in Catholic worship is optional for most Masses, and many Catholic priests choose not to use it. However, incense is used to purify the coffin at funerals and to bless statues and images. During funeral Masses, the priest incenses the coffin at the final commendation as a sign of honour to the body of the deceased, who became the temple of the Holy Spirit at Baptism. It is also a sign of the faithful's prayers for the deceased rising to God.
The use of incense during Mass is mentioned in the liturgies of Saints James and Mark, which in their present form originate in the fifth century. Incense was also used in the seventh century during the procession of a Bishop to the altar and on Good Friday. In the 11th century, it was used at the Offertory, and in the 12th century at the Introit. Incense was further used at the Benedictus and Magnificat during Lauds and Vespers in the 13th century, and for the exposition and benediction of the Blessed Sacrament in the 14th century.
The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (the Church's "guidebook" for liturgy) states that 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, during the Offertory to incense the offerings, altar, priest and congregation, and during the Consecration.
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, linking heaven and earth and allowing us to enter into the presence of God.
Incense Around Toddlers: Safe or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It is used to bless statues and images
Incense is used during Mass to bless statues and images. Its use during these blessings is steeped in tradition and history. The practice of burning incense during religious ceremonies dates back to ancient Egypt, China, and Jewish temple rituals.
In the Catholic Church, incense is used to purify the coffin at funerals and bless statues and images. The smoke that rises from the burning of incense is seen as a symbol of the prayers of the faithful rising to God. This symbolism is also present in the Book of Revelation, where the apostle John writes about the elders holding "gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of the holy ones".
The use of incense during Mass is not mandatory, and many Catholic priests choose not to use it. However, when it is used, it adds a sense of solemnity and mystery to the liturgy. The visual imagery of the smoke and the smell create a multi-sensory experience that engages the worshipper's sense of smell, helping them to enter more deeply into prayer.
The General Instruction of the Roman Missal outlines specific moments during Mass when incense may be used, including during the entrance procession, at the beginning of Mass to incense the altar, during the procession and proclamation of the Gospel, at the offertory to incense the offerings, altar, priest, and people, and during the elevation of the Sacred Host and Chalice of Precious Blood after the consecration.
Burning Powder Incense: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Incense is used during the entrance procession
The use of incense during the entrance procession is symbolic. The smoke rising from the incense is seen as a representation of the prayers of the faithful rising up to God. This symbolism is also mentioned in the Book of Revelation, where the apostle John writes about the elders holding "gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of the holy ones". The use of incense thus adds a sense of solemnity and mystery to the Mass, connecting the worship on earth with the worship of heaven.
The practice of using incense during the entrance procession has a long history. The first recorded use of incense for worship dates back to Egypt around 2400 BC, and it has been used in various religious traditions since ancient times, including by the Jews in their temple rituals. In the liturgies of Saints James and Mark, which originate in the fifth century, the use of incense is mentioned. Over time, the use of incense became more prevalent in Catholic worship, and it is now often used during the entrance procession to set a solemn tone for the liturgy.
However, the use of incense can also be a source of controversy and health issues for some people. Some individuals have allergies or sensitivities to incense, which can cause breathing difficulties and allergic reactions. In such cases, accommodations can be made, such as reserving certain seats away from the incense or using more moderate brands with weaker aromas.
Using Incense Rocks: A Beginner's Guide to Incense
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It is used to incense the altar
Incense is used during Mass to incense the altar. The altar is incensed at the beginning of Mass, during the entrance procession, and at the Gospel procession and proclamation. It is also used at the offertory to incense the offerings, the altar, the priest, and the congregation.
The use of incense to purify the altar is an ancient tradition, dating back to the early Church when Jews used incense in their temple rituals. In the fifth century, the liturgies of Ss. James and Mark mentioned the use of incense, and a Roman Ritual of the seventh century noted its use in the procession of a Bishop to the altar and on Good Friday. Incense has been used in other religious traditions as well, including ancient Egypt, China, and in Buddhist, Shinto, and Taoist ceremonies.
In Catholic worship, the use of incense serves a twofold purpose. Firstly, the visual imagery of the rising smoke is symbolic of the prayers of the congregation rising up to God. This symbolism is also seen in the Book of Revelation, where the apostle John writes about the elders holding "gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of the holy ones" (5:8). Secondly, the act of incensing pays honour to the object being incensed, such as the consecrated bread and wine, or the altar itself.
However, the use of incense can be problematic for some people, particularly those with allergies or breathing difficulties. Some parishes have chosen to limit the use of incense due to these concerns, while others have designated specific seats or areas away from the incense for those who are affected by it.
Incense Burning: Tips to Stop and Avoid Overuse
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Incense is used at the offertory
The use of incense during the offertory is steeped in tradition and symbolism. The practice has its roots in the early traditions of Judaism, dating back to the time of the Second Jewish Temple. In Christian worship services, the burning of incense during the offertory is symbolic of ""cleansing and purification". The sweet fragrance is also said to represent "Christ's robe of righteousness", which covers the sins of humankind.
The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) identifies five occasions when incense may be used during Mass, including during the offertory. During the offertory, the gifts, the altar, the priest, and the people may be incensed. The priest may also incense the Crucifix and the Paschal Candle. The altar is incensed with a series of single swings, while the Most Blessed Sacrament is incensed with three double swings. The priest may also incense the offerings for Mass by tracing a cross over them with the thurible instead of using three swings.
The use of incense at the offertory is not limited to Roman Catholic services. In Anglican churches, for example, incense is used at the offertory, with the gifts, the altar, the priest, the clergy, the choir, and the congregation all being censed.
The practice of using incense during the offertory is an ancient one, with its origins in the liturgies of Saints James and Mark, which date back to the fifth century. In the 11th century, incense began to be used at the offertory in the Mass.
Incense Smoke Splits: Interpreting the Signs and Omens
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Incense is used at Mass during the entrance procession, at the beginning of Mass to incense the altar, at the Gospel procession and proclamation, at the preparation of offerings, and at the showings of the Host and Chalice during the Eucharistic prayer.
The use of incense serves a two-fold purpose. The visual imagery of the rising smoke is symbolic of the prayers of the congregation being lifted toward God, and the act of incensing pays honour to the object to which it is directed.
No, the use of incense is optional for most Masses. While it holds a place of honour in the history of religious worship, many Catholic priests choose not to use it.
If you are allergic to incense, you could try attending a less elaborate Sunday Mass or an incense-free Mass. You could also try sitting in an area of the church where incense is used less frequently.
If you are unable to attend Mass due to incense allergies, you can watch the Mass on television or attend a Communion service at your residence.
