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Incense has long been a vivid part of Catholic worship. The rising smoke of the thurible (or censer) visually expresses the Church’s prayer ascending to God, drawing on imagery from Psalm 141 and the Book of Revelation.
In the Roman Rite, the careful swinging of the thurible follows clear norms while also allowing room for longstanding local customs—especially when the Blessed Sacrament is exposed at Benediction.
When Incense May Be Used
According to the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM 276), incense may be used optionally in any form of Mass at these moments:
- During the entrance procession
- At the beginning of Mass, to incense the cross and the altar
- At the Gospel procession and proclamation
- After the gifts are placed on the altar (offerings, cross, altar, priest, and people)
- At the elevation of the host and chalice after the consecration
The priest places incense in the thurible and blesses it with the Sign of the Cross in silence. A profound bow is made before and after most incensations (except for the altar and the offerings themselves).
How Many Swings?
GIRM 277 provides the basic numbers:
- Three double (ductus) swings for the Most Blessed Sacrament, a relic of the Holy Cross, images of the Lord, the offerings, the altar cross, the Book of the Gospels, the Paschal Candle, the priest, and the people.
- Two double (ductus) swings for relics and images of the saints (usually only at the beginning of the celebration, after the altar).
- Single swings (ictus) for the altar itself (walking around a freestanding altar, or right then left if it is against the wall).
In practice, each of the “three swings” is commonly performed as a double swing (a ductus): the thurible is raised, swung outward twice toward the person or object, then lowered. This interpretation is widespread and is reflected in standard ceremonial guides.
The priest may incense the offerings either with three swings or by tracing the Sign of the Cross over them with the thurible.
The Technique
The thurifer or celebrant holds the upper chains (and disk) in the left hand against the chest. The right hand controls the lower chains so the bowl can swing smoothly from the wrist. Movements should be measured and dignified—never jerky. Chains are held shorter when censing persons and somewhat longer when censing the altar.
Practical Technique (Common Custom)
- Hold the top of the chains (with the disk) in the left hand near the chest. Control the bowl with the right hand (chains passing between fingers, secured by the thumb).
- Swing from the wrist with a smooth, measured motion—do not jerk or let the bowl strike the chains loudly.
- For persons: Hold chains shorter (~8 inches/20 cm from the bowl). For the altar/cross: longer (~12 inches/30 cm).
- Thurifer (server carrying the thurible) swings it gently at full length in procession.
Key Moments of Incensation in Mass
- Entrance procession (optional).
- Beginning of Mass: Altar and cross.
- Gospel: Before and during the proclamation.
- Offertory: Offerings, cross, altar, then priest and people.
- Consecration/Elevation (optional): Host and chalice.
Why Some Use “Three Triple Swings” at Benediction
At Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament (or sometimes at the elevation in Mass), many communities still employ three triple swings—nine swings in total. This is more elaborate than the ordinary three double swings prescribed in the GIRM.
This practice is a retained custom from the pre-conciliar (Vatican II) liturgy. Before the reforms of the 1960s, more complex patterns of swinging were common for objects of the highest veneration. After the introduction of the modern Roman Missal, some bishops’ conferences and local traditions sought and received permission (or simply continued by legitimate custom) to keep the more solemn form when the Eucharist is exposed in the monstrance. It is particularly noted in places such as Ireland.
The extra motion is not required by current universal law, yet it is widely regarded as a legitimate expression of greater reverence for Christ truly present. It does not contradict the GIRM; rather, it amplifies the basic three-swing rule out of traditional piety. Commentators such as Fr. Edward McNamara have observed that authentic custom remains a source of liturgical law in such matters, and the triple form continues to appear even in papal celebrations in some contexts.
- Greater solemnity for the Eucharist — The Blessed Sacrament receives the highest level of honor. Using a more elaborate triple motion per swing (or three full sets) underscores this supreme dignity, distinguishing it even from other "three-swing" items like the altar cross, Gospel Book, or priest.
- Continuity with tradition — It was widespread before the reforms. Some bishops’ conferences or local customs sought and obtained permissions to continue it, especially during Benediction (where the Sacrament is exposed in the monstrance) or at the Elevation in Mass.
- Symbolic emphasis — Some interpret the repeated threes as evoking the Trinity, though this is more devotional than strictly rubrical. The core symbolism of incense remains prayers rising to God, amplified by the more prominent action.
A Living Tradition
The Roman Rite balances clarity of norm with respect for organic custom. Whether a community uses three double swings or the fuller three triple swings at Benediction, the underlying meaning is the same: the Church’s prayer, offered through the fragrant smoke, rises before the throne of God. The careful, reverent swinging of the thurible helps the faithful enter more deeply into that prayer.
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References / Sources
- General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM), nos. 276–277. Vatican website and official English editions (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops).
- Fr. Edward McNamara, LC, “Swings of the Thurible,” Zenit / EWTN, 10 April 2018 (and follow-up). Available at ewtn.com.
- Fr. Edward McNamara, LC, “Incensing at Mass,” ePriest / Zenit, December 2025.
- Ceremonial of Bishops (Caeremoniale Episcoporum), relevant sections on incense (especially nos. 84–98 and related footnotes).
- Msgr. Peter J. Elliott, Ceremonies of the Modern Roman Rite (Ignatius Press), descriptions of thurible technique and customary swings.
- Traditional commentaries (e.g., Fortescue-O’Connell) for pre-conciliar practice, cited in modern discussions of continuity.
