Seamus Hammond
Incense is used in Catholic Mass to symbolise the sanctification and purification of the soul, as well as the prayers of the faithful drifting up to heaven. The incense is burned at various points during the Mass, including during the entrance procession, at the beginning of Mass when the altar is incensed, during 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 smoke and smell of the incense are believed to create an ambiance of heaven, linking earth with the divine.
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What You'll Learn
Incense during the entrance procession
Incense is used during the entrance procession at the beginning of Mass. The priest incenses the cross and altar, connecting directly with Christ's Holy Sacrifice. The altar represents Christ and his five wounds, which are indicated by the five crosses on the altar top. Incensing the altar also reconnects the church community to the original dedication of their church, as well as to the angels and saints in heaven.
The use of incense during the entrance procession is mentioned in the liturgies of Saints James and Mark, which in their present form originate in the fifth century. A Roman Ritual of the seventh century also marks its usage in the procession of a Bishop to the altar and on Good Friday.
The purpose of incensing is purification and sanctification. The smoke symbolizes the prayers of the faithful drifting up to heaven. The Psalmist prays, "Let my prayer come like incense before you; the lifting up of my hands, like the evening sacrifice" (Psalm 141). Incense creates 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 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 helps to support an atmosphere of solemnity and beauty, reminding us that at Mass we enter into and are united with the worship offered to God in heaven by the angels and saints.
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Incense at the beginning of Mass
Incense has been used in Catholic Mass for centuries, with its roots in early Christian and Jewish rituals. The use of incense at the beginning of Mass is steeped in symbolism and tradition.
The General Instruction of the Roman Missal outlines that incense may be used during the entrance procession and at the beginning of Mass to incense the altar. This act of incensing the altar is deeply symbolic, as it represents a direct connection to Christ's Holy Sacrifice. The altar itself signifies Christ's Altar of Sacrifice, bearing the marks of his five wounds. The smoke rising from the incense symbolizes the prayers of the faithful ascending to heaven, creating a heavenly ambiance. This imagery is vividly described in the Book of Revelation, where an angel brings incense before God, along with the prayers of His people.
In the Eastern Rites, the beginning of Mass involves incensing the altar and sanctuary area while chanting Psalm 50, the "Miserere," invoking God's mercy. This practice emphasizes the purification and sanctification symbolism associated with incense. Additionally, the priest may also incense the Crucifix and the Paschal Candle during the Mass.
The use of incense adds a sense of solemnity and mystery to the Mass, reminding us of the transcendence that links heaven and earth. It helps create an atmosphere of reverence and beauty, befitting the worship offered to God. The visual and sensory experience of incense enhances the prayer experience, engaging all the senses in devotion.
While the use of incense during Mass is not mandatory, it holds symbolic value and adds a layer of solemnity to the liturgy, especially during the most sacred days of the year.
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Incense during the procession and proclamation of the Gospel
Incense is used during the procession and proclamation of the Gospel to symbolise the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven. The smoke and the smell remind Catholics of the transcendence of the Mass, linking heaven and earth, and allowing them to enter the presence of God.
The use of incense during the proclamation of the Gospel dates back to the 11th century. The Book of Revelation describes the heavenly worship, wherein an angel carries a censer of gold and deposits incense on the altar of gold in front of the throne of God, along with the prayers of all God's holy ones. Thus, the use of incense during the procession and proclamation of the Gospel symbolises the connection between the Mass and heaven, and the rising of prayers to God.
The sweet smoke of incense rising towards and surrounding the holy book also signifies the devotion towards the holy words of the saviour, preserved for over 2000 years. Catholics believe that Christ is present in His proclaimed word, and the incense honours that Word, which will soon be present through His words, the Holy Gospel.
The use of incense during the procession and proclamation of the Gospel is thus a powerful symbol of the connection between the Mass and heaven, the rising of prayers to God, and the honour and devotion towards the holy words of the saviour.
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Incense at the offertory
Incense has been used in Catholic Mass for centuries, with its roots dating back to early Jewish and Christian rituals. The use of incense during the Offertory, or the preparation of the gifts, holds significant meaning and symbolism.
During the Offertory, incense is used to purify and sanctify the offerings, the altar, the priest, and the congregation. This act of incensing is done to honour and make holy the people and objects involved in the Mass. The smoke rising from the incense symbolizes the prayers of the faithful ascending to heaven, as described in the Book of Revelation:
> "Another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer; he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne, and the smoke of the incense rose with the prayers of the saints from the hand of the angel before God." (Revelation 8:3-4)
The sweet-smelling smoke and the visual imagery it creates serve as a reminder of the transcendence of the Mass, linking heaven and earth. It adds a sense of solemnity and mystery to the ceremony, reflecting the importance of the occasion and the presence of God.
The practice of incensing during the Offertory dates back to the 11th century, and it continues to be an integral part of Catholic Mass today, helping to create a multi-sensory worship experience and connecting the faithful to the heavenly worship described in Scripture.
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Incense at the elevation of the Sacred Host
Incense is used at the elevation of the Sacred Host and the chalice of Precious Blood after the consecration. The priest may also incense the Crucifix and the Paschal Candle.
The use of incense during the Catholic Mass is steeped in symbolism and ritual significance. It is believed to create an ambiance of heaven on earth, connecting the worshippers to God's altar in heaven and allowing them to engage all their senses in prayer. The smoke rising from the incense symbolises the prayers of the faithful drifting up to 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."
Incense is also used to symbolise purification and sanctification. For instance, during the offertory, incense is used to bless and pray for the purification of the bread and wine, as well as the spiritual gifts placed on the altar. It is also used to anoint and bless the priest and the congregation, preparing them for the gifts that will be offered.
The use of incense during the Catholic Mass has a long history, with mentions of its use in the liturgies of Saints James and Mark, which date back to the 5th century. In the 7th century, a Roman Ritual describes the use of incense in the procession of a Bishop to the altar and on Good Friday. Over time, the use of incense became more widespread, with its inclusion in various rituals and processions during the Mass.
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Frequently asked questions
Incense may be used during the entrance procession, at the beginning of Mass to incense the altar, at the procession and
The smoke from the incense symbolises the prayers of the faithful rising up to heaven. It also adds a sense of solemnity and mystery to the Mass, helping to create the ambiance of heaven.
Incense symbolises sanctification and purification. It is believed to drive away demons and evil spirits and invite good spirits.
Incense is typically made from a blend of sweet spices, storax or stacte, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense.
