The Significance of the Use of Incense in the Catholic Church In the Catholic Church, incense holds deep spiritual and symbolic significance, rooted in Scripture and tradition. Its rising smoke represents the prayers of the faithful ascending to heaven, echoing Psalm 141:2: “Let my prayer be incense before you.” During Mass, incense is often used at key moments such as the procession, the proclamation of the Gospel, the consecration of the Eucharist, and the veneration of the altar, cross, or sa

In the Catholic Church, incense symbolizes prayer rising to heaven, purification, and sanctification. Used during Mass, Benediction, and other solemn liturgies, incense is placed on burning charcoal in a censer or thurible. The priest or deacon swings the thurible to honor the altar, the Gospel, the Eucharist, clergy, and congregation. Its fragrant smoke signifies reverence and the presence of the divine. Psalm 141:2—“Let my prayer be incense before you”—highlights its biblical roots. Incense al