What Kind of Incense Is Used in the Catholic Church?
Incense is used as a spiritual tool in many cultures and religions. The Catholic Church uses certain kinds of incense in prayer and ceremonies.
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Frankincense
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One of the main reasons the Catholic Church uses frankincense is because it was one of the three gifts given to Jesus at his birth by the Magi. Frankincense symbolizes Christ's divinity.
Myrrh
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Myrrh was the third gift given to Jesus at his birth by the Magi. Myrrh was also offered to Christ on the cross, and was used to anoint him after his death. Myrrh symbolizes Christ's passion and death.
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Combination Incenses
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The Catholic Church may also use a specific combination of incense because of its mention in Exodus 30, according to americancatholic.org, "Moses is given a formula for incense to be used solely in the worship of Yahweh. It is to be made of equal parts of storax, onycha, galbanum and frankincense, blended and ground into fine dust."
What Churches Use It
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According to St James Episcopal Church, "All the Eastern Orthodox Churches burn incense at most of their services, or liturgies. In the 'west' the Roman Catholic Church burns incense at many points of its services."
Catholic Symbolism of Incense
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It is believed that the angels in Heaven use incense. The fragrance symbolizes the prayers rising to Heaven.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Steve Dean
