Censers and Altar Boys at a Procession - Catholic Stock Photo

Incense, with its sweet-smelling perfume and high-ascending smoke, is typical of the good Christian's prayer, which, enkindled in the heart by the fire of God's love and exhaling the odor of Christ, rises up a pleasing offering in His sight. Incensing is the act of imparting the odor of incense. The incense-boat is the vessel containing the incense for immediate use. It is so called from its shape. It is generally carried by the thurifer (altar boy) in the disengaged hand.