Incense Used in Church

In the Catholic Church, incense is used at many points of the liturgy. It was one of the gifts brought by the Magi to Jesus, and it has been a part of our faith for thousands of years. It smells wonderful, and it is an important symbol of worship.

Incense is a mixture of resins (often mixed with spices) that burn with a fragrant odor. It is usually sprinkled on lighted charcoal contained in a censer or thurible. The charcoal is then set ablaze, and the aromatic smoke rises. The incense is often called holy smoke. The smoke is meant to symbolize the prayers of the faithful rising up to heaven. It also represents the sweet fragrance of the sacrifice being offered.

Traditionally, incense was used during the Old Testament worship of the Lord. It was an integral part of the offerings of the tabernacle and the first and second Temples. It was also used by Zechariah when the Angel Gabriel appeared to him, telling him of the birth of John the Baptist. It was a beautiful prayer action that linked the use of incense to the worship of the Lord.

At Mass, incense is typically used during the Entrance Procession, scenting of the altar, and at the beginning of the Liturgy of the Eucharist. It is also used to scent the offerings of bread and wine. The Priest may also incense the crosses, images, or relics that are exposed for veneration. Incense is also used during a funeral Mass, at the graveside service, and to bless items such as new altars, church bells, and sacred vessels.

The two main types of incense are frankincense and onycha. Frankincense has a woody odor and onycha is similar to the smell of claws. Both are natural substances that are tapped from trees. Other kinds of incense include a resin-based stick that is rolled into a ball shape and burned, or incense coils that are set on a small ember bed to burn slowly for long periods of time.

Generally, the incense used in churches is of the highest quality. It is often produced from tree resins and scented with spices such as myrrh, cinnamon, and rose. It is a very pleasant smelling incense, and it is not dangerous to use.

In a day when so many aspects of the Church have become lost, the use of incense at the Mass is one way that Catholics can keep a sense of tradition and reverence alive. It is not always done at every Mass, but it is a very distinctive feature of the liturgy and helps remind us of our past. It is especially appropriate for services of great solemnity, at funerals, and at services that include eucharistic adoration. It is also a very moving and beautiful sign of devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. May we all grow in our understanding and appreciation of the beautiful and meaningful use of incense in our churches!