Primarily, other smoke can trigger it as well as strong perfumes. However, given the strict anti-smoking laws and the push for common decency with perfumes and colognes, I rarely encounter difficult situations. Same for my elderly friend with COPD.Hi!
Is your allergy triggered only by incense?
Maran atha!
Angel
Jcrichton. My point is simply that a good pastor, knowing his flock, would not use incense for the sake of the one–because that’s the behavior Jesus modeled. And again, I’m not talking about a mere dislike, but life and death situations. I don’t think any of us are arguing that there should be a carte blanche moratorium on it, simply that a good, caring priest will want to ensure that everyone can attend Mass.Hi!
…it is a “nuisance.”
It seems that you were suggesting that if something bothers people it should be removed.
…making accommodations for “nuisance” sake seems frivolous.
I can see having a Mass incense-free for those who have respiratory health issues… but what seems to be suggested is that the practice of incensing should be terminated for the sake a few (and those who view it as “nuisance”).
Maran atha!
Angel
Actually it doesn’t seem like that at all if you read my other posts, but okay. My suggestion is that the subjective nature of this matter works both ways. You can dismissively say it is wrong to suggest that something should be removed if it bothers people, as if the objection is based on “entertain me or else,” but the ENTIRE PREMISE of the first post and this whole thread is “entertain me or else.” It is just as obnoxious to say “I want incense or else, and if anyone doesn’t like it, too bad, they should take a workshop on improving their mental toughness.”Hi!
…it is a “nuisance.”
It seems that you were suggesting that if something bothers people it should be removed.
…making accommodations for “nuisance” sake seems frivolous.
I can see having a Mass incense-free for those who have respiratory health issues… but what seems to be suggested is that the practice of incensing should be terminated for the sake a few (and those who view it as “nuisance”).
Maran atha!
Angel
If it’s not a life and death issue? Pound sand. In this case the pastor well knows that I, my elderly friend with COPD and quite a few other people (ok, all elderly men who served in the military and have breathing issues from chemicals and other bad things) cannot attend. He chooses to use an optional substance that could provide fatal becuase he likes it better. He feels that it makes it more reverent. The previous pastor was not this way…he adored incense…he once used so much the fire alarms went off. However, he was extremely respectful that many could not go to Mass because of it and would even hold Mass in the school gym for those who could not enter the church because it remained too smokey, borrowing vestments and chalices from another parish that did not use incense regularly so no one could be brought to harm. He was a true shepard of his people.Hi!
I have read through the entirety of the thread; the problem remains that you are asking that for a person or two the practice of incensing should be terminated.
What happens when other parishioners (as the ‘make it out of rice’ demand) start to put forth their own requests?
Maran atha!
Angel
You mean like “Give me incense”?What happens when other parishioners (as the ‘make it out of rice’ demand) start to put forth their own requests?
I think the difference is in the difference between a good shepherd and a careless shepherd. What you face isn’t terribly uncommon, and I think it’s the reference most people have when they hear others talk about being unable to tolerate incense. Life and death is a bit different.Hi!
I’m an allergy sufferer so I understand your position.
I’ve attended parishes where the incense has chocked the living air out of me; several days later I’m still afflicted by it as my body continues to react from the assault. Yet, I cannot see myself requesting that the incensing be terminated.
If it gets to a point that I cannot stand being in that parish, I must seek a different parish or speak to the Rector/Pastor to see if the incense can be changed.
I pray to God that it never gets to such extremes as you’ve cited (hospitalization/ER); but I cannot see a Church where my needs must supersede the culture and practice.
Maran atha!
Angel
I’m sorry if it seemed like I was suggesting you are into self service. I was mainly talking about the OP.Hi!
Not into self-service; and I do suffer from allergies so I can sympathize with those who have actual issues with the incense… however, it remains that people keep coming up with excuses as to why not attend Mass.
Mom had many illnesses and health problems… we would walk to Mass for nearly half an hour (broke, no car); the parish was only 8 blocks away; we did this till she was no longer able to walk the distance… so I understand limitations…
Still, I could not “command” that the parish would provide transportation for her; that’s the reality that I am speaking about.
We cannot want to get accommodated, even when the accommodations seem quite feasible; sometimes we must adapt–perhaps a different parish or a chapel Mass instead of Mass at the main Church building…
Maran atha!
Angel
No, incense is NOT a necessary part of the mass. And again, I’m not talking about anyone “demanding” I’m talking about a priest being a good shepherd, which I feel he is not.Hi!
Yes. But consider the fact that (at least for me) from childhood our first experiences at Mass is the procession, the sounds, the incense, the prayers… what you are suggesting is “remove what is not necessary” to accommodate everyone… but incense is necessary; the bells are necessary; the homilies are necessary…
Perhaps, if there are enough people, there could be an incense-free Mass in a chapel where they could gather… but removing the experience should not be the first solution to this difficult and serious dilemma.
Maran atha!
Angel