Katrina Rosales
Incense is used in Catholic worship to symbolise the sanctification and purification of the sacred space. The smoke of the incense is believed to symbolise the prayers of the faithful drifting up to heaven. The use of incense in Catholic worship can be traced back to the earliest days of Christian liturgy, where it continued the Jewish tradition that came before it. The first recorded use of incense for worship is from Egypt around 2400 BC. Incense is used during Christmas Eve Masses, and it is believed that the church incense is frankincense, one of the gifts given by the Magi to the Christ Child.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| History of incense use | The first recorded use of incense for worship is from Egypt around 2400 B.C. |
| Incense has been used in Christian liturgy from its earliest days, continuing the Jewish tradition that came before it. | |
| In the liturgies of Saints James and Mark, which in their present form originate in the fifth century, the use of incense is mentioned. | |
| A Roman Ritual of the seventh century marks its usage in the procession of a Bishop to the altar and on Good Friday. | |
| Incense was also used at the Benedictus and Magnificat during Lauds and Vespers about the 13th century, and for the exposition and benediction of the Blessed Sacrament about the 14th century. | |
| Symbolism | The smoke of incense symbolizes the sanctification and purification of the sacred space. |
| Incense connects our worship on earth with the worship of heaven. | |
| Incense is a symbol of prayer. | |
| Incense creates the ambiance of heaven. | |
| Incense is a sign of devotion. | |
| Incense is used to give a sense of special reverence for the Eucharist. |
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What You'll Learn
Incense is a symbol of prayer
Incense has been a part of Christian liturgy since its earliest days, continuing the Jewish tradition that came before it. The use of incense in Christian worship was abandoned for a time to avoid confusion among the faithful and to distance the practice from its association with paganism. However, its use was re-established in the fifth century, and its connection with the Book of Revelation became more apparent.
The Book of Revelation describes the heavenly worship as follows: "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 smoke of incense is believed to symbolise sanctification and purification. It also symbolises the prayers of the faithful drifting up to heaven, connecting our worship on earth with the worship of heaven. Incense is, therefore, a powerful symbol of prayer and a means of sanctifying and purifying. It is an outward sign of spiritual realities, which is why it holds a place in Christian liturgy.
The use of incense during Christmas Masses is especially significant as it is believed that one of the gifts presented by the Magi to the Christ Child was frankincense.
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Incense is used for purification
Incense is used in Catholic liturgy from its earliest days, continuing the Jewish tradition that came before it. The use of incense is mentioned in the liturgies of Saints James and Mark, which originate in the fifth century. In the seventh century, a Roman Ritual mentions its usage in the procession of a Bishop to the altar and on Good Friday.
The use of incense is optional for most Masses. It can be administered at any Mass at the entrance procession, at the beginning of Mass around the altar and Cross, at the Gospel procession and reading of the Gospel, after the offertory upon the bread, chalice on the altar, upon the altar and Cross itself, when the Host and Chalice are shown after the consecration, and even the People of God and the priest can be incensed.
Incense is also used during Christmas Eve Masses. The use of incense during Christmas is especially significant because the three gifts of the Magi to the Christ Child were gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
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Incense is used for sanctification
The use of incense in Catholic worship has its roots in ancient times, with the first recorded use of incense dating back to Egypt around 2400 B.C. It was also used in ancient China and plays a significant role in Buddhist, Shinto, and Taoist ceremonies. The use of incense was also mentioned in the Bible, with God commanding Moses to build an altar of incense for worship in the Tabernacle.
In the Catholic Mass, incense is used to sanctify and purify the altar, connecting the worship on earth with the worship of heaven. The smoke of the incense, along with the prayers of the faithful, rises up to God as a sacrifice. This is supported by Psalm 141, which states, "Let my prayer rise before you like incense, O Lord." The use of incense thus becomes a powerful symbol of prayer and an outward sign of spiritual realities.
Incense is also used during funeral Masses, where the priest incenses the coffin as a sign of honor to the deceased and as a sensory symbol of the prayers for the departed soul rising to God.
The use of incense in Catholic worship is not mandatory and has declined in recent times, with some people finding it bothersome to their senses. However, it remains a distinctive mark of Catholic Christianity and is valued by many for its ability to enhance the sacredness and reverence of the Mass.
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Incense is used during Mass
Additionally, incense is used during Mass as a means of purification, both of the physical space and as a spiritual cleansing for those in attendance. This idea of purification is also present in funeral Masses, where the priest incenses the coffin as a sign of honour for the deceased and as a symbol of the prayers of the faithful for their soul.
The use of incense in Catholic Mass has a long history, dating back to the earliest days of the Church. It was also used in Jewish Temple rituals, as mentioned in the Old Testament, and Christians likely adapted its usage from these traditions. Over time, the use of incense in Mass has evolved, with different rituals and moments during the Mass being associated with its use. While it is optional for most Masses, incense remains a distinctive mark of Catholic Christianity and a means of enhancing the sacredness and solemnity of the Mass.
The specific moments during Mass when incense may be used are outlined in the General Instruction of the Roman Missal. These include 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 at the elevation of the Sacred Host and chalice of Precious Blood after the consecration.
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Incense is used to bless statues and images
Incense is used in the Catholic Church to bless statues and images, among other reasons. The use of incense in Catholic worship is believed to have been introduced in the first few centuries of Church writings, although its exact origin is unknown. It is believed to have been adapted from the Jewish tradition, which was commanded by God and recorded in the Book of Exodus in the Old Testament. According to the Bible, God instructed Moses on how to build the Tabernacle, which included an altar of incense.
The use of incense in Christian worship was abandoned for a period due to its association with paganism, but it made a comeback in the fifth century. The smoke of the incense is believed to symbolise the sanctification and purification of the sacred space, connecting the worship on earth with the worship of heaven. The Book of Revelation describes heavenly worship, with angels holding censers of incense, connecting to the use of incense during Catholic Mass.
Incense is also used to bless statues and images, as well as during funeral Masses to honour the deceased and symbolise the prayers of the faithful. The use of incense adds solemnity and mystery to the Mass, and its fragrance is believed to be a powerful liturgical gift. The burning of incense is considered a prayer in itself, with the smoke symbolising the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven.
The use of incense in the Catholic Church, especially during Christmas Eve Masses, is a tradition that has continued over the years, with altar boys preparing the thurible, or incenser, for the burning of incense.
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Frequently asked questions
Incense is used to purify the sacred space and create an ambiance of heaven. The smoke symbolizes the prayers of the faithful drifting up to God in heaven.
Incense used by the Catholic Church is made of sweet spices, stacte, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense.
Frankincense is one of the gifts given by the three wise men to baby Jesus.
The first recorded use of incense for worship dates back to Egypt around 2400 B.C.
Incense is used at various points during Catholic Mass. It may be used during the entrance procession, at the beginning of Mass, during the proclamation of the Gospel, at the offertory, after the consecration, and during funeral Masses.
