About the Mass Series Preparation of the Gifts Part 10 Incensation

About the Mass Series 

Preparation of the Gifts Part 10: Incensation

The original Roman practice was to burn incense in a brazier, which was carried in procession at the beginning and end of the celebration as well as at the gospel.  In the seventh century, under eastern influence, the Incensation of the Gifts on the altar was introduced.  By the 14th century, the rite was fully developed with a blessing of the incense, an incensation of the gifts and altar with special prayers and gestures, and finally the incensation of the clergy and congregation.

Today this incensation rite is simplified and the bread, wine, altar, cross, priest and congregation are incensed in silence.  

Incense is a traditional symbol of prayer rising to God (ref: Psalm 141:2; Revelations 8:3-4) The Incensation of the gifts and altar therefore is a symbol of the Church’s offering and prayer going up to God. The priest and congregation are also incensed since they are to unite themselves and their prayers with the gifts, which will be offered in the Eucharistic prayer.

The priest places the incense in the thurible, blesses it with the sign of the cross.  Then if the altar is freestanding, he incenses it as he walks around it.  If the altar is not freestanding, he incenses it while walking first to the right side, then to the left.  If there is a cross on or beside the altar, he incenses it before he incenses the altar.  If the cross is behind the altar, he incenses it when he passes in front of it.

The boat is the small metal container that holds the incense to be put into the thurible. It has a cover and comes with a small spoon.  Frequently shaped like a boat as it is a symbol of the Church, the barque of Peter.

Incensation usually occurs at a ‘High Mass’ (a Mass where a Bishop or priest presides with a Deacon and Sub-Deacon being present).  Special solemn liturgical occasions such as an ordination of a priest, enthronement of a Bishop or at the ceremonies in Holy Week are all fitting occasions for the incensation rite during Mass.

Stay tuned for the final post on the preparation of the gifts next week.