Another Visit With Mr. Thurifer

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Many parishes might only see a thurifer during Holy Week or on the occasional Sunday. To have incense during a Sunday Mass and on high holy days is - or should be - a normal thing.

If you're a member of a traditional community, it's likely that you are more than familiar with the thurifer and boat bearer. In Ordinariate communities, incense is as common as the air we breathe.

Who is this mysterious person who appears on rare occasions to fumigate the nave and sanctuary of the church? The thurifer is an essential liturgical minister responsible for carrying the thurible and facilitating the use of incense, which is a symbol of prayer and reverence within the Mass.

A thurifer is a person who carries the thurible, a vessel used for burning incense during liturgical ceremonies in the Catholic Church. The role of the thurifer is significant in various parts of the Mass, particularly during processions and the incensation of the altar, offerings, and the congregation.

During the Entrance procession, the thurifer - accompanied by the boat bearer who carries the incense container (the boat) - leads the procession carrying the thurible with burning incense, followed by other ministers and the priest. This practice is rooted in the tradition of using incense as a sign of reverence and prayer, symbolizing the prayers of the faithful rising to God (cf. Ps 141:2, Rev 8:3) 1,2.

The thurifer's actions are not only ceremonial but also serve to enhance the liturgical atmosphere, as the smoke from the incense signifies the presence of the Holy Spirit and the sanctification of the space and participants 3. The use of incense is optional in any form of Mass, but when it is used, the thurifer plays a crucial role in its presentation and application throughout the liturgy 1,2.

References

  1. GIRM 276
  2. GIRM 144
  3. Catechism of the Ukrainian Catholic Church: Christ – Our Pascha 644

"Oh, but Father, I'm allergic to incense!" It may be that some folk cannot handle the fog. It may be necessary to ensure adequate ventilation. A sensitive person might sit near an open door, near the entrance to the church. Some varieties of incense have a bit of a bite to them. Be sure to do your homework before purchasing a strong blend. Pure frankincense is usually much more tolerable for those with issues.

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