Holy Smokes: Why Do Priests Use Incense at Mass and Adoration?

History, meaning and message

1. Where is incense mentioned in the Bible?

Psalm 141 compares prayer rising before God to incense (Ps 141:2). The Book of Revelation connects incense with the prayers of the saints (Rev 8:3–4).

Incense also belongs to the biblical story of worship: it was used in the tabernacle and Temple. It appears again among the gifts presented to the infant Jesus by the Magi (Mt 2:11).

2. What is incensed during Mass?

The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (nos. 276–277) allows incense at the entrance procession, at the beginning of Mass for the cross and altar, during the Gospel, and during the preparation of the gifts.

The priest and congregation may also be incensed, while the Host and chalice may be incensed after the consecration. The gesture expresses reverence; it does not mean that human beings are treated as objects of worship.

3. Why are the people incensed?

The congregation is not a collection of spectators. Through baptism, the faithful belong to the People of God and participate in the liturgy. Incensing them honours their dignity as persons made in God’s image.

It shows respect for the worshipping Church, not adoration of human beings. Adoration in its proper sense belongs to God alone.

Did you know?

The vessel used to burn incense is called a thurible or censer; the small container for unburnt incense is called a boat. Fragrant resin produces smoke when placed on burning charcoal.

4. Why is incense used during adoration?

When the Blessed Sacrament is exposed in a monstrance, liturgical rites provide for the incensation of the Eucharist. Incense is also used in the rite of Benediction while a Eucharistic hymn is sung.

The focus is not the object or the smoke but Christ present in the Eucharist. The gesture allows the Church to express love and adoration when ordinary language seems inadequate.

5. Must incense be used at every Mass?

No. The liturgical books permit incense at different celebrations, but that does not mean it is obligatory at every Mass. Specific directions within individual rites must always be read in context.

It would be a mistake to measure prayer by the amount of smoke. Attentive participation, listening to God’s word and receiving the sacraments matter more than ceremonial splendour.