T
The_Prodigal
Guest
When a deacon or priest incences the people, he will bow before and after the incensation. Should one return the bow?
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L
Lux_et_veritas
Guest
At Assumption Grotto, we have incense every week. We did this in the Latin Novus Ordo at 9:30, which has now become Traditional Latin Mass - Extraordinary Form. Regardless, there is incense each week.
When the thurifer comes to incense the people, at which time we stand, they bow to us, and the entire congregation bows back. They swing the thurible, and bow again, then we return the bow.
I don’t have any history on this, but would be interested in that, as well as the spiritual dimensions of it.
I do have more info than i can share now. Perhaps I’ll come back when I have more time.
When the thurifer comes to incense the people, at which time we stand, they bow to us, and the entire congregation bows back. They swing the thurible, and bow again, then we return the bow.
I don’t have any history on this, but would be interested in that, as well as the spiritual dimensions of it.
I do have more info than i can share now. Perhaps I’ll come back when I have more time.
A
AJV
Guest
The 2002 GIRM, quoting the Ceremonial of Bishops, speaks of the bow by the minister incensing but is silent on the people being incensed. Traditionally, it is good liturgical etiquette to bow back.
C
Cavaille-Coll
Guest
Typically, the thurifer will bow before and after incensing the people, and the people bow with him both times. In some churches or monastic communities, the thurifer will process down the aisle incensing first one side and then the other. In this case, bow when he incenses in your direction.
Note that it is proper to bow when being incensed, but when being sprinkled with holy water, make the Sign of the Cross when the water touches you (or near you).
Note that it is proper to bow when being incensed, but when being sprinkled with holy water, make the Sign of the Cross when the water touches you (or near you).
J
JesuXPIPassio
Guest
What a good question! In all the parishes I’ve gone to, the congregation bows back too.
I hope the original poster doesn’t mind, but can I add in a question? Why do we bow with this? I mean, I can understand bowing before the Eucharist, the Crucifix and images, but why bow to each other?
K
katy
Guest
I think it’s kind of like the martial arts academies where the leader and the participants bow to each other.
S
SHAKA_MAKA1
Guest
Just curious, does it have to be a priest or deacon doing the incensing. My priest had me do it the other day to him then the people in the pews. I was an altar server that day.
J
JesuXPIPassio
Guest
Depends what’s being incensed. If it’s the altar and the altar crucifix, only the celebrant (the main priest) should be doing it.
If I’m not mistaken, the Deacon should normally be the one administering the incense in other cases. Since Deacons usually aren’t there (at least where I am), altar servers can do it those times.
The Book of the Gospels should be incensed by whomever is proclaiming the reading, which also should normally mean the Deacon, but again since there usually isn’t any, the priest would do it.
If there’s a deacon to do the incensing, altar servers just assist with the incense, as in carrying it around for when it’s needed.
Good that you’re an altar server. I wish I was one when I was younger.
S
SHAKA_MAKA1
Guest
I never served when I was younger. Didn’t serve till we got a new priest. now he wants adults to serve too. I’m almost 50 years old.
C
consumedconvert
Guest
My parish bows everytime we get a chance. I suppose it must be something in the water. 
S
Sure
Guest
Liturgically ministers and servers bow to each other as a sign of respect. It’s like saying thank you. When the servers bring the water and wine to the altar, the priest takes them and uses them, then when he is done, the servers and the priest bow to one another and then turn and go on their way.
S
Sure
Guest
This is correct, though the servers do lead the procession in and out of church with the incense.
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