Stacte is variously described as being the extract of the transparent portion of the myrrh resin which exudes spontaneously from the tree, or a balsam from a tree such as opobalsamum or a styrax. Ive never used incense during the Eucharistic Prayer, although I experienced it once at Notre Dame in Paris and it made for a beautiful scene with the light beams slanting through the stained glass. A celebrant might also follow this custom at Masses for the Dead, depending on the circumstances. Either incense was used at all the possible occasions when servers with candles could accompany the entrance and gospel processions, or incense was simply used at the offertory and at the elevations, without being used at any other point in Mass. No incensation of altar and cross at this time. I would love enjoying the different incense fir different seasons. Some (if not all) incense is made by Cistercian monks (I dont know which monastery). This year, in fact today, incense made an appearance for the Feast of the Epiphany. Gradually, its usage was extended to the incensing of the celebrant and assisting clergy. Lorenzo Fernandez-Vicente : Norman, I am sorry but you simply cannot be allergic to all forms of incense, maybe one or two. All you need is an incense stick holder. The principle of progressive solemnity has a BIG problem. Our goal is to honor and to foster a greater understanding of the rich liturgical traditions of the Catholic Church, and to answer the most important questions in the matters of faith. Why was the fire in the altar to burn continuously (Leviticus 6:13)? In No. We do not know exactly when the use of incense was introduced into our Mass or other liturgical rites. The usage of incense adds a sense of solemnity and mystery to the Mass. IDK how I didnt burst into bronchial spasms (which is normally immediate, once Ive been exposed)! However, the priest and the assembly were not part of the incensing, just the altar. 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). The practice was also common in the Old Testament. Its used to purify the coffin at funerals and to bless statues and images. I found this online at: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/08/23/1233332/-Church-Incense-Banned-in-CA (Im not a Daily Kos reader, I just found it online.). 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. Yes, I am venting a touch but as soon as the new pastor yielded and tried to accommodate, it has become an avalanche of requests in all areas not just incense. Why did people offer incense in the first place? Which may be a greater irritant than the odor of the incense itself. In Judaism, incense was included in the thanksgiving offerings of oil, rain, fruits, wine (cf. 149, says that the deacon incenses the bishop, then the concelebrants, then the people. As it is I have COPD and am using only one third of my lung power. This deacon would lead the torchbearers to their places and incense the Blessed Sacrament from their midst, or he might go to his place alone if torches are not used. He keeps his left hand at his chest during this time. I do my best to cope with the notion that incense is important to some people but it is difficult getting the sense that few of those seem willing to extend to me a similar courtesy. This fragrant power, expertly prepared, is to be salted and so kept pure and sacred. He swings the censer from the wrist of his right hand, and controls its movements with the thumb, index, and third finger of his right hand. My throat closes in and uncontrollable coughing and gasping follow. It identifies five points at which incense can be used: 1) the entrance procession, 2) the altar and its cross at the beginning of Mass, 3) the Gospel, 4) the preparation of the gifts, and 5) the elevations during the Eucharistic Prayer (General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) 276). They use it whenever they can during the Mass. Evergreen based incense. Medical terms aside, officially allergy or not, what I know is that anytime I am exposed to incense I begin to cough (often strenuously) my eyes water up, etc. I think this may be a custom among the Byzantines. At the preparation, the gifts are censed, the altar censed again, and then the celebrant, then the assembly. This beautiful prayer action is seen at the announcement of John the Baptists birth. Likewise, no distinction is made later in the document at No. xxvii. James and Mark, which in their present form originate in the fifth century, the use of incense is mentioned. We dealt with this topic in an earlier reply of Feb. 17, 2009. The only progressive solemnity we have is fancier vestments and use of incense at the elevations which is our manner of showing the Precious Body and Blood of Christ. Well my PTB friends, I guess we can have our holy smoke and breathe easy too! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. January 19, 2022 // Incense in the Catholic faith signifies holiness, purity, and God's presence. In this invaluable work, the author strives to reference his descriptions with official sources, but these do not always provide the detail required in a ceremonies manual. Pending further official clarifications, either form may be chosen according to the concrete circumstances such as the number and location of the concelebrants, the structure of the presbytery, or the time required. The thurifer opens the censer and holds the bowl elevated so that the celebrant can impose incense while standing erect. You can also get. The rubrics designate places where incense may be used in a more solemn celebration of the Eucharist. He may incense the gifts with three double swings or by making the sign of the cross with the censer over them (GIRM, 277). I like incense a lot. 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. On the other hand, the more recent GIRM No. I have allergies to incense. Now its less clear. They ordained him, and he was assigned to a small, progressive parish church which went in for such liturgical innovations as home-baked hosts and eucharist-in-the-round. Ive never had a single parishioner in 40 years ask if we could use incense more often. Rabbi Shimon ben Gamaliel says: The stacte is nothing more than the sap that drips from the branches of the balsam tree. The Book of Exodus describes the recipe: And the LORD said unto Moses, Take unto yourself sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum; these sweet spices with pure frankincense: of each shall there be a like weight: And you shall make it a perfume, a confection after the art of the apothecary, tempered together [salted], pure and holy: And you shall beat some of it very small, and put of it before the testimony in the tabernacle of the congregation, where I will meet with you: it shall be unto you most holy. Regarding this point I defer to the description offered by Monsignor (now Bishop) Peter Elliott in his manual "Ceremonies of the Modern Roman Rite." @Fritz Bauerschmidt comment #32: But Id prefer to attend, so a list would be helpful. Ordinary Time Solemnities: Incense at the entrance. EWTN | 5817 Old Leeds Rd. In the Old Testament, God gave Moses instructions on how to build the tabernacle the traveling temple of God. @Fr. Catholics & Bible do not intend to provide any health related advice. I dont ask that it go unused entirely, just that it be used only at the altar where I can sit far enough back to have only minimal exposure but it seems that is asking too much and I dont understand why. Incense was also used in ancient China and plays a part in Buddhist, Shinto and Taoist ceremonies. Thurible - Wikipedia Holy Smokes: Why Catholics Use Incense in Worship We now have requests not to wear perfume or hair spray when you come to church and still there are the flowers and the cedar. Incense is also a great way to add a beautiful aroma to your home, either indoors or outdoors. Prayers bring God's people protection as the incense protected the high priest" (1965). Sticks)? Instead, the rising smoke is a symbol of prayer. Paragraph 94 refers to a priest incensing, but that is when the ceremony takes place immediately after mass - so that minister will be a priest. Incense was originated to cover the stench of animal sacrifices in the temple. This will leave the tip of the stick smoldering and smoking. Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, Blog Staff and Editorial Advisory Committee, http://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/08/23/1233332/-Church-Incense-Banned-in-CA, Together in Christ: Remembering Bishop Patrick McGrath, Pray Tells Teresa Berger interviews two colleagues about the upcoming Coronation. Amen. Just as the oil lamps were to burn constantly in the Temple as a sign of Gods presence, so there was a constant pillar of smoke ascending to heaven from the tabernacle. At home, you can use Catholic incense for all these reasons. On Christmas and Easter we also use incense at the Gospel (I guess thats a bit of progressive solemnity Id be inclined to use it all the time at the Gospel, so that were honoring the word as much as the altar/gifts). He spoke the Lords words, saying, From the rising of the sun to its setting, / my name is great among the nations; / Incense offerings are made to my name everywhere, / and a pure offering (Mal 1:11). Like on feast of Epiphany, Palm Sunday, Easter Sunday, Feast of Divine Mercy Sunday, Ascension Thursday, Feast of Pentecost, Feast of Holy Trinity, Feast of Corpus Christi, Feast of Assumption of Mary, Feast of All Saints Day, Feast of Christ the King, Feast of Immaculate Conception, Christmas, Feast of Holy Family, and feast of Mary Mother of God (New Years). There were enough complaints at my parish including from the priest who is also allergic that we use only it only at the 10:30 Mass on special days. It is not possible to use it any less or more at Mass according to the Rules.We ensure that Windows and doors are open in our little Church. The latter two occasions, which occur during the Liturgy of the Eucharist, are the topic for this discussion. This question is twofold: 1) At which Masses throughout the year do you use incense? When and how is incense used in your experience to incense the congregation? There are a lot of peoople with breathing problems, such as asthma, lung cancer, COPD, etc. The usage of incense adds a sense of solemnity and mystery to the Mass. May the series contribute to good liturgical practice not only following the law, but especially grasping the spirit of the liturgy! . As Zechariah the priest was offering incense in the temple in Luke 1:10, "all the assembled worshipers were praying outside." The altar of incense, then, can be seen as a symbol of the prayers of God's people. Censing the faithful from a fixed position at the head of the aisle with three swings on the long chain seems best. Why did God require animal sacrifices in the Old Testament? 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. The first step is to light up the charcoal. 276 lists the moments when incense is used, then it is safe to say that the thurible is not used for the exit procession. I underwent allergy testing and was found to be allergic to 32 of the 40 substances tested for. The servers do use it during the canon and at the elevations when the bells are rung. Herodotus, the Greek historian, recorded that it was popular among the Assyrians, Babylonians and Egyptians. 131. [5] In the Revelation of John, incense symbolises the prayers of the saints in heaven - the "golden bowl full of incense" are "the prayers of the saints " ( Revelation 5:8, cf. Yale ISM Liturgy Conference 2023: Registration Now Open! Grind some of it into fine dust and put this before the covenant in the tent of meeting where I will meet with you. who dont complain. 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. Thus he has to flesh out the official texts using approved authors from earlier times, long-standing custom, common sense, and keen observation of solemn ceremonies in Rome. It is held or carried as explained above. We have a small church and have only one Mass each weekend, so its not possible to have an incense-free mass. For the benefit of those who are allergic, could one or both of those properties (the smoke or aroma) be eliminated and still retain its sign value? Sam is a founder and editor of Catholics & Bible. It was only a temporary ceremonial type. Traditionally, while the celebrant is incensing the gifts, the deacon places the joined fingers of his right hand on the base of the chalice to steady it. A point of debate is involved in the case of concelebration, especially when a bishop presides. This was at the Easter Vigil where it starts outside. "Why Do Priests Use Incence." The thurifer leads the torches bearers (two, four, or six depending on the circumstances, or even eight for a pontifical Mass) out of the sacristy during the singing of the Sanctus. One evening I came home and my wife said, You smell like church. It was the highest compliment shes ever given me! You can combine two or more different kinds of resin to create a mixed aroma. Old Mass or new, it does us no good if we leave Christ out of the equation and treat those who prefer the other Mass as enemies, misinformed, less Catholic, etc., etc. Eleven kinds of spices were in it, as follows: (1) stacte, (2) onycha, (3) galbanum, (4) frankincense - each weighing seventy mina [and each comprising 19.02% of the total weight]; (5) myrrh, (6) cassia, (7) spikenard, (8) saffron, each weighing sixteen mina [and each comprising 4.35% of the total weight]; (9) costus - twelve mina [comprising 3.26% of the total weight]; (10) aromatic bark - three [comprising 0.82% of the total weight]; and (11) cinnamon - nine [comprising 2.45% of the total weight]; [Additionally] Carshina lye, nine kab; Cyprus wine, three se'ah and three kab - if he has no Cyprus wine, he brings old white wine; Sodom salt, a quarter-kab; and a minute amount of maaleh ashan. Copyright 2002-2023 Got Questions Ministries. In fact, most of the references in the Bible to incense are the Old Testament prophets lamenting the fact that too often the Jewish people had forsaken the Lord and chosen to make sacrifices, including the offering of incense to the false gods. Ah, incense. "Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart," says Prov. The celebrant begins by incensing the gifts, with no further sign of reverence to the altar (Ceremonial for Bishops, 91; GIRM, 277). 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. 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. In all the places that Nathan mentioned. At St. Judes Cathedral it was used at our parish Mass to incense the gifts on the altar then the altar, priest then the assembly from the sanctuary. "The usual process in most solemn Masses is that, at the conclusion of the Eucharistic Prayer, the thurifer and the torchbearers go to a suitable place outside of the sanctuary. Since No. Theologically, we hold that the entire Eucharistic Prayer is consecratoryis incensing and even showing the host and the cup after the words of institution confusing our present theology? The story I heard about him goes that this was discovered when he was still in seminary, and actually medically documented. If truly allergic to incense, are there no medications available to alleviate symptoms? The rising smoke? If incense is being used, the Priest then puts some in the thurible, blesses it without saying anything, and incenses the offerings, the cross, and the altar. The sense of belonging was back I had purpose appreciation and honourable responsibilities and life felt whole and full again and all was well, at least for a while but slowly turned sour and thoroughly frustrating In one parish I once attended the celebrant incensed the entire congregation by walking down the center aisle. Aaron must burn fragrant incense on the altar every morning when he tends the lamps. A thurible, a type of censer, is used to contain incense as it is burned. Yikes! Covid happened and a whole lot of inter parish politics and petty bullying and pointless pathetic snobbery had been apparent for longer than I realised. I am not aware of flowers with these chemicals, which may explain the lack of complaints re: the flowers and cedar used at church. In some places the thurifer enters in the procession swinging the thurible back and forth causing problems for anyone with breathing issues. Incense - Literature - Resources - Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the And why do we have to regard the Church as being on a road going forward or backward, other than going toward union with God? 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 faithfuls prayers for the deceased rising to God. By preference, wed never use it, or nearly never. So then he bought it. Of these two, the acolyte may only substitute the deacon in incensing the priest and people at the offertory (the deacon is not incensed separately). When the thurible is carried, whether there is incense lighted in it or not, it is never held with the full chain extended. 3 Ways to Use Incense - wikiHow It would seem so but who am I to judge when a day is set for when everybody will ultimately be judged. However, many Catholic priests choose not to use incense at Mass, and the people of many parishes have forgotten the uses and meaning of incense in worship. Thank you. He understands the worship in heaven to be a completion of the Jewish worship in the Temple. The thurifer or another server has imposed incense in the sacristy or some other discreet place. Easter: Incense at the entrance, gospel, preparation. I don;t want to experience an anaphylactic reaction which could cause death. You dont need a lot of stuff to burn incense sticks just the sticks and an incense holder. It used to be clear when incense was required: at prescribed moments in every solemn or sung Mass (with some exceptions, such as for a Sung Mass Without Incense). The Use of Incense During the Liturgy of the Eucharist I had to stuff my nose with cotton to prevent it from dripping on everything I tried to do and I was barely able to function. Many priests also burn incense while offering blessings. So he said I have. Incense sticks are much easier to use. Last week I was exposed to incense during the processional. As he did so his actions echoed Psalm 141:2: Let my prayer be incense before you; / my uplifted hands an evening offering.. Why Ketoret Incense in the Temple? - Chabad.org The incensation of a freestanding altar is carried out in the same manner described at the beginning of Mass. 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. My parish Scared Heart of Jesus, Winchester, VA, has started using incense at almost all Masses. If torches are not used at the elevations, this deacon could kneel directly in front of the altar to incense the Blessed Sacrament in the manner described above. Such a Mass is certainly not less Catholic. I find this bad for my enunciation, and I cant sneeze on key very well at all. Lent: Incense at the entrance (a slow procession that stops three times, echoing the entrance of the cross at Good Friday and the paschal candle at the vigil). I want to know whether we use Incense during lent period / For Sunday Masses.Clear cut Answer. Facing the people, he sings the dismissal with his hands joined, using one of the options provided. None of this seems to actually enhance the mass any. It is at that moment that our worship on earth becomes connected with the worship of heaven. I guess we are pretty low church Catholics .. not much by way of statues etc either. The deacon (or the thurifer) then proceeds to incense those in the sanctuary, beginning with any concelebrants and proceeding with the remaining ministers. Thats 400 years before the time of Abraham. Add to that every person in the church holding a lit candle can be an allergen. at Westminster Cathedral) this model was used for Pope Benedicts Mass at the cathedral. The usage of incense adds a sense of solemnity and mystery to the Mass. The Use of Incense During the Entrance Rite and Liturgy of - Adoremus . * * *Follow-up:When Putting Incense in Thurible [10-15-2013], Pursuant to our question regarding the use of incense (seeOct. 1), a deacon from Ohio asked, "At the conclusion of Mass, does the priest have to put incense into the thurible before the procession forms? Thanks and God Bless You. I wonder how many of the complaints are actually triggered by the use of cheap incense maybe with artificial scents? Then we also do incense on Every Sunday during the Easter Season (including Pentecost). While the Roman Missal (GIRM, 276) places this among those times when incense can be used at Mass ad libitum, the traditional practice has been to join the use of incense at the preparation of the gifts with the use of incense at the two elevations (Mutel and Freeman, 71). The first recorded use of incense for worship is from Egypt around 2400 B.C. He believes it is more important than ever before to help people find a genuine faith. He bows, incenses the celebrant with three double swings, and then bows again (GIRM 277; Ceremonial for Bishops, 91, 92). Fr. think of some of the homilies and expositions by various bishops/curial officials during the year of the priest..the focus on celibacy; priesthood as the bridegroom; some of the skewed thinking around celibacys meaning and use of images such as church as bride and priest as the husband, etc. More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free! 212. Can you provide documentation on the correct procedure? He was taking his turn serving in the Temple when the angel Gabriel appeared, informing him of the pregnancy of his wife, Elizabeth. Good luck! This happened 5 times (incorporating rosary with prayaing for dead) I was so pleased the people caught the symbolism of the rising smoke our prayers for the dead rising to the Father. What Does A Rainbow Symbolize In The Bible? I prefer to stay away when incense is going to be used. When incense is used at the elevations, the thurifer exits the sacristy holding the censer by the length of its chain in his right hand, without swinging it back and forth. They just avoid going to church. The priest may also incense the Crucifix and the Paschal Candle. Given increased awareness about this issue, I imagine there have been complaints. and the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice. Why do we use incense in worship? | Simply Catholic It strikes me that with the liturgical reform the usage of incense should only increase not decrease as we no longer limit its use to high Mass. The demons were marked by a sulfurous stench, and the fragrant incense would drive them away; meanwhile, the beneficial gods would be appeased and grant the worshiper protection and prosperity. The deacon (or the thurifer) then turns to the assembly and incenses them as a group. Charcoal can easily start a fire if the burner is knocked over. The celebrant incenses the altar with a series of single swings, meaning that the censer is swung forward, before being swung forward once again, etc. FEEHILY! Much depends on how much incense, of course a little bit is fine, but weve had a couple of priests who were deep into the more is much better way of thinking. Incense every Sunday? The elderly and Mass attendance Have we become too busy to be bothered about God ? Look for natural or organic incense sticks without chemical additives. Incense in the Catholic faith signifies holiness, purity, and Gods presence. 62-64). I love it for all the reasons everyone here has listed; and I have a real physical problem with it, particularly if I need to sing during the liturgy. SHed then go place some grains on incense in the brazier while a decade of the rosary would be prayed. As the incense was burned with fire from the . Copyright 2020 Adoremus. Q: Is it acceptable for the priest to remain seated while he places incense in the thurible during the singing of the Alleluia? 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. If he added honey, he invalidated it; if he [deliberately] omitted one of the spices, he was liable to the death penalty. 412 he states: "The procession leaves in the same order as it entered, except that the thurifer (and boat bearer) without the thurible (and boat) follows the cross bearer and candle bearers.
Lakeside School Swim Team,
Problem Assessment In Counselling Process,
Colonial Theater South Hill, Va,
Onboarding New Board Members,
Cardinal Newman Schedule,
Articles W