0
The priest or altar boy swings the incense in different directions, but always in groups of three, for the purpose of distributing the smoke evenly.
.
AnswerWhen swinging the incense, there is a set pattern, the Blessed Sacrament gets three double swings, the celebrant of the Mass gets one double swing, and the congregation gets three single swings. The gifts on the altar have a complicated pattern of circles, so many to the right, and then to the left. And the altar itself has a series of single swings all around it. "Symbolically it represents the consuming zeal of the Christian, the good odour of virtue and the going-up of prayer and good works to God, and to offer it before a person or thing is a makr of honour thereto." fromA Catholic Dictionary, edited by Donald Attwater, Second edition, revised 1957
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoThere are literally thousands of Catholic Churches all around the world, and they all buy their incense from different dealers and different countries. However, one of the more prevalent is frankincense based, although there are even a lot of those. To find out a particular one that you liked, ask the sacristan at the Church where it was used.
Wiki User
∙ 10y agoCatholic Answer
Symbolically it represents the consuming zeal of the Christ, the good odour of virtue and the going-up of prayer and good works to God, and to offer it before a person or thing is a mark of honour thereto. (from A Catholic Dictionary, edited by Donald Attwater, Second edition, revised 1957)
.
from Modern Catholic Dictionary by John A. Hardon, S.J. Doubleday & Co., Inc. Garden City, NY 1980
Incense. Aromatic gum or resin in the form of powder or grains that give off a fragrant smoke when they are burned. When blessed it is a symbolic sacramental. Its burning signifies zeal or fervor; its fragrance, virtue; its rising smoke, human prayer ascending to God. It is used at Mass, for the Gospel book, the altar, the people, the ministers, and the bread and wine; before consecration; at benediction of the Blessed Sacrament; during processions; and at absolutions of the dead. When it is to be used, it is carried in a metal cup-shaped container and burned in a thurible or censer. Five large grains of it are placed in the Paschal candle at the Easter Vigil to symbolize the Five Wounds of the Risen Savior. In some countries it is placed in a stationary censer to burn slowly before the Blessed Sacrament, either exposed or reserved on the altar. (Etym. Latin incensum, incense; literally, something burned; from incendere, to kindle.)
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoI think the custom borrows from other middle-eastern, Jewish or Indian customs where incense represents 'the prayers of the faithful' going up to God.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoThe fragrant smoke of incense symbolizing our prayers rising to Heaven and purifying what it touches.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoAdd your answer:
Earn +20 pts
What is the fragrance burner at a Catholic mass?
It is normally a device which has charcoal in it. The priest puts some incense powder during the Mass and it results into a scented smoke.
What is the name of the person holding the incense in a Catholic Mass?
Often it is the altar server or the priest
For how long did the Catholic Church burn opium at Mass?
The Catholic Church burns incense at certain special Masses but has never burned opium.
What is the smoking can used in Catholic ceremonies?
The smoking is referred to the incense. It always used during the high mass.Catholic Answer: When incense is burned at Mass, it is burned in a thurible. This is usually a bell shaped cup with a lid, the whole thing on a chain (or chains) so that it can be swung back and forth. It is used to "cense" the altar, the gifts, the crucifix, the priest, and the congregation, and the book. Low Mass is when a Mass is entirely spoken, High Mass is if certain parts are sung. Solemn High Mass is when incense is used.
What is a church incense burner called?
The metal container which contains blessed incense in the Catholic Church is called a thurible. Generally, it hangs from a chain, and is swung back and forth to release the smoke from the incense It is used at the beginning of the Mass for the procession, or during Eucharistic Adoration, among other thingsThe metal container which contains blessed incense in the Catholic Church is called a thurible. Generally, it hangs from a chain, and is swung back and forth to release the smoke from the incense It is used at the beginning of the Mass for the procession, or during Eucharistic Adoration, among other things
What does a server do in the Catholic Mass?
A server assists the priest during the mass by holding the book, bringing things to the altar, offering the water and wine at the Offertory, washing the priest's hands, ringing the bell, and making the responses. They may also carry the crucifix or processional cross, candles, incense, etc. They may assist with the boat if incense is used.
How many times is the archbishop incensed with the thurifer during mass?
There is only 3 times the archbishop take an incense but there is a celebration especially Easter and chrismas that there is more than 3 times incense.
Who leads the Mass at the beginning of the procession in the Catholic Church?
Although it will vary some from parish to parish and depending upon the type of Mass to be celebrated, a cross bearer usually leads the procession.
Do Catholic priests drink heavily during Mass?
No, they do not drink during Mass except for a small amount of communion wine.
What is the Roman Missal?
The Roman Catholic Missal is a book that contains all the prayers that are said during a Catholic Mass. The book may contain prayers and instructions for saying them during regular weekly Sunday Mass or for weekday Mass and Holiday Mass.
Why does a Catholic priest sometimes carry a smoking pot?
The "smoking pot" you refer to is an incense burner. Incense is a substance that gives off a pleasant smell when burnt. It has been used in many cultures including Jewish temples. Carrying on the tradition the Catholic Church uses incense at certain Masses which were called "High Masses" usually celebrated by three priests to "incense" the altar. It is also used at funerals to "incense" the coffin.AnswerThe incense symbolizes prayer, which rises heavenward towards God. In the traditional Latin rite of Mass, the altar is incensed, intimating that this is a sacred place. It is also an imitation of the early temple practices as well as an allusion to the book of Revelation where incense burns before the altar of God.
How long does a catholic mass last?
Roman Catholic AnswerThe depends entirely on the priest, what feast day he is celebrating, how solemn the Mass is, whether there is singing, incense; how many people are present. In short it depends entirely on a whole host of factors, and they are all different, even from day to day.
