The incense burner used at Catholic Mass is called a thurible (or censer), a metal vessel on chains where incense is burned, symbolizing prayers rising to heaven, God's presence, and the reverence for sacred persons and objects like the altar, Eucharist, and clergy. An altar server, called a thurifer, carries and swings it during solemn parts of the liturgy to spread the fragrant smoke.
Answer: Thurible or censer. My answer : The incense burner used at the Mass is called a "Thurible" or "Cencer". It's used to burn incense during certain parts of the Mass , symbolizing prayer rising the heaven.
The smoke obscures and obfuscates our vision, reminding us of our proper place in relation to God. As we offer our prayers, the use of incense and its (hopefully) sweet smell, reminds us of the Beauty of God and of His Goodness. We see the smoke.
Most Catholic churches (and others who burn incense) use a blend - normally frankincense (gum olibanum) with the addition of myrrh , benzoin , and other resinous and aromatic ingredients (e.g. styrax, opoponax) plus essential oils, depending on the recipe.
St. Anthony and St. Mary, incense is used during solemn exposition and benediction for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. It is also used during Masses related to solemn celebrations and special feast days.
The most common and historical are made by the Cathedral Candle Company and Will & Baumer here in the U.S. The two most popular in the U.S. are Will & Baumer Pontifical Blend (this is the "classic scent" most Catholics grew up with, it is a mix of Frankincense, Myrrh, Benzoin and Cinnamon).
A: In principle, incense is indeed appropriate for Mass. The smoke that rises from the burning of incense has for millennia been understood by the Christian community as a symbol of the prayers of the faithful rising up to God.
As mentioned earlier, the General Instruction on the Roman Missal (GIRM) identifies five occasions when incense may be used during the celebration of Mass: the entrance procession, the incensation of the altar at the beginning of Mass, at the Gospel, at the preparation of the gifts, and during the elevations of the ...
Irenaeus says that the gifts signify the mystery of the Incarnate Word (God who has become man): gold, a symbol of royalty, represents his kingship; frankincense, used in worship, points to his divinity; and myrrh represents his humanity, particularly in his passion and death (Against Heresies, 3, 9, 2).
God gave Moses and Aaron detailed instructions for the times, places, and methods of burning incense. It was to be burned perpetually before the Lord, and it was a holy act of worship (Exodus 30). When the Tabernacle was replaced by the Temple, incense was offered there (1/3 Kings 9:25).
Gold honors Jesus because it represents that He is Christ the King. Frankincense pleases Jesus as it is used to worship Him, and it reveals that He is Christ the High Priest. Myrrh is a perfume used to anoint dead bodies, and it is symbolic of His death for the sake of the truth, as Christ the Prophet.
Health Risks of Burning Incense
Incense smoke contains fine particulate matter that can penetrate the respiratory system, causing inflammation and irritation. Regular exposure is associated with chronic respiratory conditions like bronchitis, asthma exacerbation, and decreased lung function.
Frankincense and Myrrh
Myrrh and frankincense (olibanum) are often used together and they both originate from the gummy sap that seeps out of the Boswellia and Commiphora trees when their bark is cut. Myrrh is a fragrance that is similar to frankincense, although it is used more for healing practices.
This incense is typically composed of frankincense and myrrh, resulting in a rich, sweet, smoky, and somewhat spicy aroma that fills the church. Beyond its pleasing scent, incense symbolises the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven and serves to sanctify and purify the space.
Incense is a visible sign of our invisible prayers rising up to the heavens. Its use can be found in both the Old and New Testaments.
Once exposed to air and sun, myrrh dries and hardens to reddish-brown pea-sized chunks, whereas frankincense dries to pale yellow, tear-shaped droplets about half that size. Both resins have traditionally been used as incense and medicine.
Burning charcoal is placed inside the metal censer, either directly into the bowl section, or into a removable crucible if supplied, and incense (of which there are many different varieties) is placed upon the charcoal, where it melts to produce a sweet smelling smoke.
The priest incenses the offerings with three swings of the thurible or by making the sign of the cross over the offerings with the thurible before going on to incense the cross and the altar.
And there was no biblical prohibition against burning incense. In the Old testament it was part of ritual worship of the Lord.
Wide discretion is granted to the priest as to how frequently to use incense. Theoretically, it may be used at any Mass, although most parishes limit its use to Masses of particular solemnity, funerals, and eucharistic adoration and processions.
Incense may be used in Christian worship at the celebration of the Eucharist, at solemn celebrations of the Divine Office, in particular at Solemn Vespers, at Solemn Evensong, at funerals, benediction and exposition of the Eucharist, the consecration of a church or altar and at other services.
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).
This was probably why the early Christians burned incense in their liturgies. It was found in Revelation and was a handy symbol for prayer rising up to and being received and attended to by God. Incense reminds us of the heavenly things.
“Sacred Chrism is a combination of olive oil mixed with a special perfume called balsam, which has a distinct smell.