Incensing the family at funerals

[Elzee]

I was at a funeral where, after the priest incensed the altar and casket following the offertory, he walked to the family members in the first few pews and had them stand, then incensed them. I’ve never seen this done before. Can someone tell me why it’s done and what it means?

 

[cameron_lansing]

Incensation is an expression of reverence and prayer according to the GIRM.

The general instructions of the Roman Missal (GIRM) would allow incensation of the congregation as part of the preparation of gifts: gifts, altar, cross, priests and people.

In the Order of Christian Funerals, incensation of the body takes place at the entrance rites or in the rites of farewell, and it is discretionary.

As to the liturgy of the Eucharist, the OCF merely says the liturgy continues as usual and does not expressly reference incensation of the body at that time.

The priest appears to have added an incensation of the body to the other incensations as above in the GIRM. While a liturgical expert could better address this, I do not believe what the priest did was contrary to the rubrics or an egregious violation of liturgical principles. The usual action could be quite appropriate.

 

[Elzee]

cameron_lansing:

Incensation is an expression of reverence and prayer according to the GIRM…

But what does it mean when he incenses the congregation - or in this case, just the family? Is he praying for them and the incense is the sing of prayers to heaven? He didn’t appear to be praying. Was he honoring them?

 

[otm]

Elzee:

But what does it mean when he incenses the congregation - or in this case, just the family? Is he praying for them and the incense is the sing of prayers to heaven? He didn’t appear to be praying. Was he honoring them?

Some prayers are visible as opposed to audible.

And yes, he was honoring them.

 

[MarthaMartha]

otm:

Some prayers are visible as opposed to audible.

And yes, he was honoring them.

I would hope, though, that he spoke with the family beforehand. If anyone was allergic to incense, either they would have been forewarned to take antihistamines before the funeral, or he might have needed to find a different way to honor them.