What is the Incense Boat & Thurible?
These are items employed in the use of incense at Mass. The boat is the container that holds the incense before it is inserted into the thurible. The thurible is a vessel, suspended by chains, which holds the lit charcoal on which small spoonfuls of incense are dropped, producing fragrant smoke.
The smoke with its fragrance reminds us that during Mass, our prayers should rise up to be joined with the prayers of the angels and saints in heaven. God affirms the dignity of each person and the sacredness of religious items when the ministers incense them. Before and after being incensed, we offer expressions of reverence and prayer through profound bows.
Excerpt taken from
The Sacred That Surrounds Us,
by Andrea Zachman, pg. 64
