Holy Smoke: Thurifers In Art

The Priest, Deacon, and Subdeacon being vested, the blessing of the Incense to be used in the procession takes place, immediately before leaving the sacristy. The celebrant receives the spoon from the Deacon, who says, “Be pleased, reverend father, to give a blessing;” he then takes incense from the navicula or incense-boat (held by the Deacon, who receives it from the Thurifer,) and puts it on the burning charcoal in three several portions, each time sprinkling it in the form of a cross. Then in accordance with the Deacon’s prayer, he blesses the incense with his right hand, saying, “Be thou blessed by Him in whose honour thou art to be burned.” The thurible is held by the Thurifer whilst the incense is put in.

"When a thurible does not contain incense which has been blessed, he will hold it in his left hand and the boat in his right; but when it does contain incense which has been blessed, vice versa. During the more ceremonial parts of the function, such as at the singing of the Gospel, &c., and during processions, he places the little finger in the ring of the coverlet, and the thumb of the same hand in the ring of the chain that holds the large cover; on other occasions, such as when he proceeds to receive incense, &c., he generally holds it at the top of the chain under the coverlet, in such a manner, however, that the large cover will be somewhat raised, this being understood of instances apart from the actual incensation."

Directions for the Use of Incense at High Celebration of the Holy Eucharist, excerpts transcribed by Peter Owen (2006): Project Canterbury.