Incense in Catholic Devotion

What is incense?

Incense is an aromatic substance, often made from resins such as frankincense, that releases fragrant smoke when placed on hot charcoal.

In Catholic liturgy, incense is usually burned in a vessel called a thurible or censer. The person who carries and assists with the thurible is often called a thurifer.

What does incense symbolize?

The General Instruction of the Roman Missal says that incensation is an expression of reverence and prayer, pointing to Scripture for this meaning.

Psalm 141 compares prayer to incense rising before God, and the Book of Revelation presents incense together with the prayers of the saints. For this reason, the rising smoke has long been a powerful Christian image of prayer offered to God.

When can incense be used at Mass?

The Roman Missal permits incense to be used at Mass in several places. These include the entrance procession, the incensation of the cross and altar, the Gospel procession and proclamation, the preparation of the gifts, and the elevation of the consecrated Host and chalice.

Its use can vary according to the celebration, local practice and the solemnity of the occasion.

Why are the priest and people incensed?

Incensing people does not mean that they are being worshipped. The gesture expresses reverence and honours what God has done in His people.

The Roman Missal specifically allows the priest to be incensed because of his sacred ministry and the people because of their baptismal dignity.

Incense at the Gospel

When incense is used during the Liturgy of the Word, the Book of the Gospels may be incensed before the Gospel is proclaimed.

This gesture expresses reverence for the Gospel of Christ and helps mark the Gospel reading as the high point of the Liturgy of the Word.

Incense at the Eucharist

Incense may be used during the preparation of the gifts and again during the elevation after the consecration.

At the preparation of the gifts, the Roman Missal explains that incensing the offerings, the cross and the altar signifies the Church’s offering and prayer rising like incense before God.

Incense outside Mass

Incense can also appear in other Catholic liturgical and devotional settings, including Eucharistic adoration and Benediction, processions, funerals and certain blessings.

At funerals, for example, the body may be incensed as a sign of respect for the body of a baptized Christian and in hope of the resurrection.

Is incense a sacramental?

Incense is used within the Church’s liturgical and devotional life as a sacred sign. Its use participates in the wider sacramental language of the Church by expressing prayer, reverence and worship through a visible sign.

The incense itself should not be treated as though it possesses independent spiritual power.

Can Catholics use incense at home?

Catholics may use incense devotionally at home when it is done safely and reverently, for example during personal or family prayer.

Home devotional use should not be confused with the Church’s formal liturgical rites. A household does not recreate the Mass simply by using a censer or incense.

Using incense safely

Incense involves hot charcoal, flame and smoke. Always use a suitable heat-resistant burner, place it on a stable surface, keep it away from flammable materials and children, and make sure the area is adequately ventilated.

People with asthma, respiratory sensitivities or allergies may need to avoid smoke or choose another form of devotion.

Is incense required at every Mass?

No. The Roman Missal says incense may be used if desired in any form of Mass. Its absence does not make a Mass less valid or less sacred.

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