Katrina Rosales
Incense is used in many Christian denominations, including Catholic, Anglican, and Byzantine churches, during Mass or other liturgical rites. The General Instruction on the Roman Missal (GIRM) identifies five occasions when incense may be used during the celebration of Mass: the entrance procession, the incensation of the altar at the beginning of Mass, at the Gospel, at the preparation of the gifts, and during the elevations of the Eucharistic Prayer. The use of incense is symbolic of prayers rising up to heaven, as described in the Bible: Let my prayer come like incense before you; the lifting up of my hands, like the evening sacrifice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to use incense | During the entrance procession, at the beginning of Mass, at the Gospel procession, at the preparation of offerings, and at the showings of the Host and Chalice during the Eucharistic prayer |
| Symbolism | Prayers of the faithful drifting up to heaven, creating the ambiance of heaven |
| History | Mentioned in the liturgies of Saints James and Mark, which date back to the 5th century |
| Use cases | Christmas, Maundy Thursday, Easter, funerals |
| Health concerns | Can cause allergic reactions or discomfort in some individuals |
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What You'll Learn
Incense is used at the beginning of Mass to incense the altar
The use of incense during Mass is steeped in ritual and symbolism. Incense is used at the beginning of Mass to incense the altar, and this practice has its roots in ancient times. While the exact origins of incense use in Christian liturgy are unknown, it is believed that early Christians adapted the practice from Jewish Temple rituals.
The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) outlines specific occasions when incense may be used during Mass. One of these occasions is at the beginning of Mass, where the altar is incensed. This ritual symbolises the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven, as described in Psalm 141: "Let my prayer come like incense before you; the lifting up of my hands, like the evening sacrifice."
The act of incensing the altar follows a precise procedure. The celebrant, usually a priest or bishop, imposes incense by placing it on the coals within the thurible, a container for burning incense. The thurible is then swung towards the altar, filling the air with fragrant smoke. This ritual may be accompanied by the chanting of Psalm 50, "Miserere," invoking God's mercy.
The use of incense at the beginning of Mass is not mandatory but is often reserved for more solemn occasions or liturgical seasons. It serves to enhance the ambiance of worship and create a sense of solemnity and reverence. The smoke of the incense, rising towards the heavens, provides a visual representation of the prayers of the congregation, uniting them in their devotion.
In conclusion, the use of incense to incense the altar at the beginning of Mass is a symbolic and ritualistic act that adds depth and solemnity to the worship experience. It is a practice that has endured through the centuries, connecting modern Christians to their ancient roots and providing a multisensory dimension to their spiritual expression.
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Incense is used during the Gospel procession and proclamation
The use of incense during Mass is believed to symbolise prayers rising up to God. The practice is mentioned in the Bible, with Psalm 141 stating: "Let my prayer come like incense before you; the lifting up of my hands, like the evening sacrifice".
Incense is used at various points during Mass, including during the Gospel procession and proclamation. The Gospel procession is when the Evangeliary, or Gospel book, is carried in procession before the proclamation of the Gospel. The General Instruction on the Roman Missal (GIRM) states that incense may be used at this point, along with the entrance procession, the incensation of the altar at the beginning of Mass, the preparation of the gifts, and during the elevations of the Eucharistic Prayer.
The GIRM (131) states that during the Gospel procession, "all rise" as the Alleluia or other Gospel acclamation is sung. The celebrant imposes incense while standing, and the thurifer and deacon assisting him also stand before him at the chair. The deacon holds the incense boat in his left hand and presents the spoon to the celebrant with his right hand.
The use of incense during the Gospel procession is also accompanied by the presence of two acolytes bearing candles. However, on occasions such as Palm Sunday or funerals, two acolytes without candles accompany the minister who proclaims the Gospel.
The use of incense during Mass is not mandatory and is used at the celebrant's discretion. It is often used during more solemn days of the year or special Masses, such as Christmas, Maundy Thursday, Easter, and funerals.
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Incense is used during the preparation of offerings
The use of incense during the preparation of offerings in mass is steeped in history and holds symbolic value. The practice of burning incense during religious rites was common in the ancient world, with Herodotus recording its popularity among the Assyrians, Babylonians, and Egyptians. In Judaism, incense was included in the thanksgiving offerings, and its use was adapted by Christians for their rituals.
The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) identifies specific occasions when incense may be used during Mass, including the preparation of offerings. This is also known as the Offertory or the preparation of the gifts. During this time, the priest may also incense the altar, the priest, and the people. The altar represents Christ and his five wounds, and incensing it symbolises purification and sanctification.
The use of incense during the preparation of offerings adds solemnity and mystery to the Mass. The visual imagery of the smoke and the aroma create an ambiance that reminds us of the transcendence of the Mass, linking heaven and earth. This atmosphere helps worshippers to enter into the presence of God and understand their connection to the worship offered by the angels and saints in heaven.
The specific rituals and gestures associated with the use of incense during the preparation of offerings vary. In some cases, the celebrant imposes incense while standing, while in other traditions, the celebrant imposes incense while seated and then rises to bless the deacon. The deacon holds the incense boat and presents the spoon to the celebrant, who then imposes incense. The thurifer, who holds the censer, may stand before the celebrant or accompany the celebrant during the incensation of the altar.
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Incense is used during the elevations of the Eucharistic Prayer
The use of incense during Mass is believed to symbolise the prayers of the faithful rising up to heaven. The Psalmist's prayer in Psalm 141 says:
> Let my prayer come like incense before you; the lifting up of my hands, like the evening sacrifice.
Similarly, the Book of Revelation describes an angel carrying the prayers of God's people in the form of smoke from incense:
> 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 General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) identifies five points at which incense can be used during Mass:
- The entrance procession
- The altar and its cross at the beginning of Mass
- The Gospel
- The preparation of the gifts
- The elevations during the Eucharistic Prayer
The elevations during the Eucharistic Prayer involve the incensation of both the Sacred Host and Precious Blood after their respective consecrations. During the elevations, the thurifer exits the sacristy holding the censer by the length of its chain in his right hand, without swinging it back and forth. The thurifer or another server has imposed incense in the sacristy or some other discreet place.
At the elevation of the Body of the Lord, the thurifer, still kneeling, bows from the waist and then incenses the Blessed Sacrament with three double swings using his right hand at the height of his face. He bows profoundly once again at the waist. The same procedure is repeated after the consecration of the Precious Blood.
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Incense is used at the entrance procession
The use of incense during the entrance procession is optional and is typically reserved for the entrance procession of a bishop. When incense is used, it is accompanied by a processional cross and processional candles. The celebrant imposes incense (places incense on the coals within the thurible) in the sacristy or another location where the procession will begin. The thurifer holds the censer, with the chain close to the bowl of the censer in their right hand. The deacon or server holds the incense boat in their left hand and presents the spoon to the celebrant with their right hand.
The use of incense during Mass is 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."
In the liturgies of Saints James and Mark, which originate in the fifth century, the use of incense is mentioned. A Roman Ritual of the seventh century also marks its usage in the procession of a bishop to the altar and on Good Friday.
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