Why Does the Catholic Church Use Incense?

This answer from EWTN’s Fr Saunders. Has been edited here for brevity.

Q. Why do priests use incense at Mass? Where does it come from?
The use of incense in the ancient world was common, especially in religious rites where it was used to keep demons away. In Judaism, incense was included in the thanksgiving [...]

Miracle of Yom Kippur/Miracle of Eucharist

Several years ago I read Roy Schoeman’s book Salvation is from the Jews. He tells the story of his conversion to the Catholic Faith. He was formerly a devout Jew. I was struck with his story about the Jewish Day of Atonement/Yom Kippur. I had never heard of this before and I was skeptical. So [...]

Missing Sunday Mass & Holy Days of Obligation

Q. Why is it a mortal sin to miss mass on Sundays?
A. Christ said, “If you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” Now one of these commandments is,
“Remember the sabbath day and keep it holy.”
Thus God demands the sanctification of one day in seven in a special way. His very use of the [...]

Mass as a memorial

Q. I’d like to comment on your “anamnesis” article, if I may. The word may indeed always be used in a “sacrificial” context, but this in no way makes communion / the Lord’s Supper –a SACRIFICE. The reason for the “sacrificial” context is simply because Jesus wanted us to “remember” Him by looking BACK [...]

Re-sacrificing Jesus?

Q. Are there any theological differences between the old mass and the new mass of 1970?I grew up in the church after Vatican Two so I do not know much about the old tridentine latin mass.
A. There are no theological differences between the old Latin mass and the new one. None. The dogmas and [...]

Latin is a Dead Language

Q.What is the point of saying mass in Latin? It is a dead language.
A.Yes, Latin is a dead language and that is precisely why it is so useful. The meaning of the words do not change as they do in living languages. Because of this, what the Church teaches and prays remains constant and unchanging, [...]

Motu Proprio-Summorum Pontificum

Q. Why has Pope Benedict XVI given all priests the freedom to say Mass in Latin?
A. To re-focus the Church on the documents of Vatican II. What the Motu Proprio did was give permission for every priest to say mass according to the 1962 Rite. Up until now it was up to the local bishop [...]

The Latin Mass

If you would like to read an interesting perspective on the recent Motu Proprio which gives any priest the freedom to say mass according to the 1962 Tridentine liturgy click HERE.
Some are cheering. Some are complaining. But according to this commentary it is the youth and young families that currently seek out the Latin Mass.

Latin Mass

For commentary on the recent liberalization of the Latin Mass according to Pope John XXIII click HERE

ANAMNESIS

Q. Jesus said, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” How does our Catholic Church get from remembrance to the idea of calling the mass a sacrifice?
A. The Greek word ANAMNESIS is the Greek word that translates into English as REMEMBER. It would seem to the casual reader of [...]