# The thurible

*Censer; *turibulum**

**Known today as.** The metal vessel hung on chains in which incense is burned on live coals.

Kind: Sacramental

## What was it used for?

Swung at solemn Mass, at the altar, the Gospel, the people, and the dead, and used to incense places in blessing and exorcism.

## What does modern science say?

Still in use.

## What lore surrounds it?

The greatest of all is the *Botafumeiro* of Santiago de Compostela, swung the length of the transept by a team of men.

## What did the older authorities say?

**The Catholic Encyclopedia.** The Catholic Encyclopedia describes the censer “held in the right hand at the height of the breast, and grasped by the chain near the cover,” raised “to the height of the eyes, given an outward motion and slightly ascending towards the object to be incensed,” a single or double swing according to “the dignity of the person or thing.” It admits that “during the first four centuries there is no evidence for its use” in the Church, though “on Egyptian monumental tablets kings are represented swinging censers,” and reads the smoke as “typical of the good Christian's prayer, which, enkindled in the heart by the fire of God's love … rises up a pleasing offering in His sight.”

## Sources

- *The Catholic Encyclopedia* (New York, 1907–1914), “Incense.” newadvent.org/cathen/07716a.htm

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*The thurible.* In *Materia Medica*, edited by B. C. P. Statema. Version 1, revised 2026-10-01. The Thinking Press. https://thethinkingpress.org/materia-medica/thurible

Historical description, not medical advice.