About Incense

The use of incense in religious worship predates Christianity; it was in use even before Christianity began. Incense is noted in the Talmud and is mentioned 170 times in the Bible. It was a definite influence in the Catholic Church’s use of it in the liturgy. The Church sees the burning of incense as an image of the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven. The symbolism is mentioned in Psalm 141:2: “Let my prayer be incense before you; my uplifted hands an evening offering.”

Incense is a sacramental, used to sanctify, bless, and venerate. The smoke from the incense is symbolic of the mystery of God Himself. As it rises upward the imagery and smell convey the sweetness of Our Lord’s presence and it reinforces how the Mass is linked to Heaven and Earth, ending in the very presence of God. The smoke also symbolizes the intense faith that should fill us and the fragrance is representative of Christian virtues.  

Liturgical law permits the use of incense at several times during the Mass:

• During the entrance procession
• At the beginning of Mass to incense the altar and the cross
• Before the Gospel reading
• To incense the offerings of bread and wine placed on the altar, the cross, the altar, the priest, and finally the people.

In addition, incense may be used at funerals both in the church and at the cemetery. It is used on Holy Thursday as the Blessed Sacrament is put in repose and during exposition and benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. During the Easter Vigil, five grains of incense are placed into the Paschal Candle.