Straights Answers: Why Do Priests
Use Incense?
By Fr. William Saunders
HERALD Columnist
Why do priests use incense at Mass? —
A reader in Alexandria
Incense is an aromatic substance which is the resin
from certain trees. When burned over charcoal, the
incense produces a sweet smelling aroma. To make the
smoke thicker and to enhance the fragrance, sometimes
other perfumes are blended with the incense.
The use of incense in the ancient world was common,
especially in religious rites where it was used to keep
demons away. Herodotus, the Greek historian, recorded
that it was popular among the Assyrians, Babylonians and
Egyptians. In Judaism, incense was included in the
thanksgiving offerings of oil, grain, fruits and wine
(cf. Nm 7:13-17). The Lord instructed Moses to build a
golden altar for the burning of incense (cf. Ex 30:1-10),
which was placed in front of the veil to the entrance of
the meeting tent where the ark of the covenant was kept.
We do not know exactly when the use of incense was
introduced into our Mass or other liturgical rites. At
the time of the early Church, the Jews continued to use
incense in their own Temple rituals, so it would be safe
to conclude that the Christians would have adapted its
usage for their own rituals.
In the liturgies of Sts. 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. Moreover, in the
Mass, an incensation at the Gospel appears very early; at
the offertory, in the 11th century; and at the Introit,
in the 12th century. 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.
Gradually, its usage was extended to the incensing of the
celebrant and assisting clergy.
The purpose of incensing and the symbolic value of the
smoke is that of purification and sanctification. For
example, in the Eastern Rites at the beginning of Mass,
the altar and sanctuary area were incensed while Psalm
50, the "Miserere," was chanted invoking the
mercy of God. The smoke symbolizes the prayers of the
faithful drifting up to heaven: the Psalmist prays,
"Let my prayer come like incense before you; the
lifting up of my hands, like the evening sacrifice"
(Psalm 141). Incense also creates the ambiance of heaven:
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."
In the General Instruction of the Roman Missal
incense may be 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, to incense the offerings, altar, priest and
people: and at the elevation of the Sacred Host and
chalice of Precious Blood after the consecration. The
priest may also incense the Crucifix and the Paschal
Candle. During funeral Masses, the priest at the final
commendation may incense the coffin, both as a sign of
honor to the body of the deceased which became the temple
of the Holy Spirit at Baptism and as a sign of the
faithful’s prayers for the deceased rising to God.
The usage of incense adds a sense of solemnity and
mystery to the Mass. The visual imagery of the smoke and
the smell remind us of the transcendence of the Mass
which links heaven with earth, and allows us to enter
into the presence of God.
Fr. Saunders is dean of the Notre Dame Graduate
School of Christendom College and pastor of Queen of
Apostles Parish, both in Alexandria.
Copyright ©1998 Arlington
Catholic Herald, Inc. All rights reserved.
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