Anisha Riggs
The use of incense by Catholic priests during Mass and other liturgical services is a tradition that dates back thousands of years. The practice is rooted in the belief that incense serves as a symbol of sanctification and purification, representing the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven. The smoke created by burning incense is thought to symbolise the transcendence of the Mass, linking earth and heaven, and allowing worshippers to enter the presence of God. Incense has been used in various religious rites since ancient times, including in Egypt, China, and by the Assyrians, Babylonians, and Jews. While its use is optional and has been abandoned in some Catholic parishes, incense continues to play a role in Catholic liturgy, adding solemnity and mystery to the Mass.
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What You'll Learn
Incense symbolises sanctification and purification
Incense is a key element of Catholic liturgy and ritual, and its use is steeped in symbolism and religious significance. The act of swinging or burning incense during Catholic Masses and other ceremonies holds profound meanings related to sanctification and purification.
Incense has long been associated with the idea of sanctification, which is the act of making something holy or sacred. In the Catholic context, the smoke of burning incense represents the prayers of the faithful rising towards Heaven. As the priest swings the censer, which contains hot coals and incense, the fragrant smoke is released, symbolising the spiritual purification and sanctification of the congregation and the offerings. This act is often accompanied by prayers or chants that invoke God's blessing and sanctifying grace.
Moreover, the use of incense symbolises purification and the removal of spiritual impurities. In Catholic teachings, incense represents the cleansing of the soul and the sanctification of the individual. The smoke is believed to symbolise the purification of the congregation, the altar, and the offerings presented during Mass. This ritual act is a physical representation of the spiritual cleansing and transformation that occurs within the community of believers.
The symbolism of incense as a purifying agent is deeply rooted in Catholic tradition. In the Old Testament, incense was used in the Temple rituals, where it represented the prayers of the people rising to God. This symbolism is carried forward in Catholic liturgy, where the burning of incense during Mass signifies the purification of the congregation's prayers and intentions. The sweet-smelling fragrance also serves as a reminder of the presence of the divine and the sanctification of the sacred space.
Additionally, the act of swinging incense is often associated with key moments in the Catholic liturgical calendar. For instance, during the Easter Vigil, the priest may use incense during the blessing of the baptismal font, symbolising the purification and sanctification of the waters used for baptism. Incense is also used during
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It represents the prayers of the faithful drifting up to heaven
The use of incense during Catholic Mass and other liturgical services is steeped in symbolism and ritual significance. One of the key reasons priests swing incense is that it represents the prayers of the faithful drifting up to heaven. This belief is deeply rooted in both the Old Testament and New Testament of the Bible.
In the Book of Exodus, God instructs Moses to build an altar of incense beside the altar of sacrifice, emphasising the importance of incense as an offering to God. The smoke rising from the altar symbolises the faithful's prayers ascending to heaven, just as the Psalmist prays in Psalm 141: "Let my prayer come like incense before you; the lifting up of my hands, like the evening sacrifice."
The New Testament also provides significant insights into the use of incense. In his apocalyptic vision of heaven, St. John the Apostle describes incense being used at God's heavenly throne, reinforcing the notion that the smoke represents the prayers of the saints rising to God. Frankincense, one of the gifts brought by the Three Kings to the Baby Jesus, further underscores the sacred nature of incense in Christian liturgy.
The act of swinging incense during Mass is not merely symbolic but also serves practical purposes. The sweet-smelling aroma of burning incense creates a solemn and mystical atmosphere, connecting the earthly liturgy with the heavenly realm. Additionally, the visual imagery of the smoke and the fragrance remind worshippers of the transcendence of the Mass, allowing them to enter into the presence of God more fully.
The use of incense in Catholic rituals extends beyond Mass and can be found in other liturgical rites and traditions. For example, during funeral Masses, priests may incense the coffin as a sign of honour to the deceased and as a representation of the people's prayers for the departed soul rising to God. The Eastern Orthodox Church, Byzantine Rite Eastern Catholic Churches, and Eastern Lutheran Churches also incorporate incense in various services, including Vespers, Matins, and funeral rites, where the censer is swung almost continuously.
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Incense is used during specific parts of Mass
The Roman Missal, as revised in 1969, allows the use of incense at any Mass. Here are the specific parts of the Mass where incense is used:
- Entrance Procession: Incense may be used during the entrance procession to mark the space and the gathered people of God. The thurifer, or server carrying the thurible (censer), leads the procession, and the bishop or priest presiding censes the altar.
- Beginning of Mass: Incense is used to incense the cross, altar, and other objects. The priest incenses the altar because it is where the Sacrifice of the Mass, or the consecration of bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ, takes place.
- Gospel Procession and Proclamation: Incense is used during the procession and proclamation of the Gospel, marking the high point of the Word portion of the service. The book is censed left, centre, and right.
- Offertory: Incense is used to cense the bread and wine (the Eucharistic elements), as well as the priest and the congregation. This marks the Meal portion of the service.
- Elevation of the Sacred Host and Chalice of Precious Blood: Incense is used after the consecration, heightening the importance of ministry in the world.
- Special Occasions: Incense may also be used during funeral Masses, where the priest incenses the coffin as a sign of honour to the deceased and as a symbol of the prayers for the deceased rising to God. Additionally, incense can be used to bless statues and images and to purify the coffin during funerals.
The use of incense in Catholic liturgies is not just for show but symbolizes theological truths. It helps worshippers enter an eternal reality through their senses, creating a powerful liturgical experience.
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It is an ancient practice, mentioned in the Bible
The use of incense by Catholic priests is indeed an ancient practice, with roots in the Bible. Incense has been employed in religious rites for thousands of years, dating back to ancient civilizations like the Assyrians, Babylonians, and Egyptians, as recorded by the Greek historian Herodotus around 500 BC.
In the Bible, the practice of burning incense is mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, the Book of Exodus describes God's instructions to Moses to build a golden altar for burning incense, which was placed in front of the veil leading to the meeting tent that housed the Ark of the Covenant. This underscores the significance of incense in ancient religious rituals.
The New Testament also provides examples of incense usage. Notably, frankincense was one of the gifts presented by the Three Kings to the Baby Jesus, symbolizing his roles as a priest, prophet, and king. Additionally, in his visions of heaven, St. John the Apostle describes seeing incense being used at God's heavenly throne, further emphasizing its sacred nature.
In the early days of Christianity, the use of incense was likely adopted from Jewish Temple rituals, as evidenced by its inclusion in the liturgies of Sts. James and Mark, which date back to the fifth century. Over time, the use of incense became more prevalent in Christian rituals, with specific references to its use in the Mass and other liturgical services.
The act of swinging incense, or censing, holds symbolic meaning in Catholicism. The smoke of the incense represents sanctification and purification, reflecting the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven. This symbolism is echoed in passages from the Book of Psalms and the Book of Revelation, where incense is linked to the prayers of God's people. The visual and aromatic qualities of incense enhance the ambiance of the Mass, creating a sense of solemnity and transcendence that links heaven and earth.
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Incense is used in other religions and cultures
Incense is used in a variety of religions and cultures outside of Catholicism. In ancient times, the priests of pagan religions believed that incense was a "spiritual offering" and that the fragrant smoke drove away demons while pleasing the gods, who would then grant protection and prosperity. The use of incense has been prevalent in ancient Egypt, China, India, Greece, and Rome.
In ancient China, incense was burned during festivals and processions to honour ancestors and household gods. The introduction of Buddhism in China brought calibrated incense sticks and incense clocks, which were also used in timekeeping. Incense-stick burning is an everyday practice in traditional Chinese religion, and thick coiled incense is hung from the ceilings of Taoist and Buddhist temples. In Japanese Shinto shrines, sticks of incense are placed horizontally into censers on top of the ash.
Incense has been used in India since the Indus Valley Civilisation in 3600 BC. It is also used in Hindu rituals and domestic offerings, where it is offered to deities and ancestors.
Incense was used in ancient Greece to ward off demons and in ancient Rome for sacrifices and in the cult of the emperor.
The Babylonians used incense extensively while offering prayers, and it was also used in Judaic worship. The use of incense in Christianity is inspired by passages in the Bible, and it has been employed in worship by Christians since antiquity, particularly in the Roman Catholic Church, Orthodox Christian churches, and Anglican Churches.
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Frequently asked questions
Catholic priests swing incense to symbolise sanctification and purification. It also symbolises the prayers of the faithful drifting up to heaven.
Incense is an aromatic substance which is the resin from certain trees. When burned over charcoal, it produces a sweet-smelling aroma.
The use of incense is optional for most Masses. It is 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, and at the elevation of the Sacred Host and chalice of Precious Blood after the consecration. Incense is also used to bless statues and images and to purify the coffin at funerals.
The smoke from the incense is believed to symbolise the sanctifying grace of the Holy Spirit and the prayers of the Saints rising to heaven. It also symbolises God's constant guiding presence, hearkening back to the column of smoke that led the people through the wilderness during the day and the column of fire that led them at night.
