Catherine writes:
As of early this year, I now have asthma. When I went to Holy Thursday Mass at my friend’s Church, the incense was so pungent that I could not join the congregation. Asthma is not allergies; it is a lung problem wherein, when one is around pungent incense, one’s airways close up and clamp down. I could not breathe and I left. This was really sad for me — I cried, in fact — and the symbolic meaning of going alone, out into the night, with no Communion or anything, on HOLY THURSDAY, was not lost on me. Christ is found in the strangest and most alone of experiences! I felt a deep kinship with Him on that night, and in that experience.
Afterward, however, I learned that there is no Catholic Church which does not use incense around here, on Triduum and other special occasions. Some put a notice on their website: “HOLY SMOKE — please be warned: if you are allergic or sensitive, we do use incense at our church.” Well, for someone with asthma, that is the same as saying, “Don’t come, there is no place for you here.” The diocesan office struck me as being particularly cavalier about this, when the person who called me back said, ‘You can go to Mass all year around, except Easter.’ Hello? I don’t think so.
It has not been possible for me to establish a presence at a church, so that then I could ask for one Mass to be incense-free. But even if that were possible, it would not help because, once incense is in the Church building, it is all over for me. So having just one Mass without it would not help.
I love incense, but I hate to think of its use being an obstacle for some people who would otherwise want to attend Mass. This is not the first time I have heard about someone having this kind of problem, and yet I still don’t know what the solution might be. I don’t very know much about incense, though, and wonder if there might be some kinds of incense that would be less irritating to an asthmatic person.
Does anyone have experience or knowledge to share?
I actually enjoy incense too, but we have many people in our parish who have difficulty with it, in particular the elderly of our community. Also, as a singer, it can be difficult to sing while the incense is still in the church. It does really choke some of us up. I don’t know the solution either, but it seems there must be one somewhere!
My Mom gets super sick from Easter lilies (which is an allergy, instead of asthma). Try finding a church without Easter lilies on Easter!
It is worth writing a letter to your bishop. If possible, find other people with asthma and allergies who would be interested in attending a “smell free” mass to sign the letter with you.
Another idea: try Mass at a hospital chapel. You can call the hospital chaplain and explain your predicament.
I can identify as my husband had the same problem. In our Parish we are also blessed with a very charismatic priest who uses incense not only during Holy week and Easter but quite often. Luckily a good allergist and a couple years has now gotten his asthma pretty much under control so it is not quite the problem that it used to be. When he does have an occasional flair up, our church has a gathering space that is separated from the main Church by glass doors. It has speakers so that when something like this arises he can simply step out and still enjoy mass . In older churches cry rooms can add the same haven.
Since you state that you can’t even stand to be there if the mass before used Incense, I would suggest a good allergist. There are many medications out there today that could help you. I understand that many ( myself included ) do not like to medicate but if it means a better standard of living, such as being able to attend Mass, which you obviously enjoy, it may be worth looking into.
Eastern Catholic churches always use incense but a priest told me that there are almost never any problems when you buy the best of the best. The cheap stuff gets more people sick.
Agree with cry rooms and hospital masses and good doctors who specialize in respiratory problems (who can possibly tell you about mechanical barriers – like surgical masks – or chemical solutions, like medications).
Also, if you sit in the very last row it’s almost imperceptible; it almost disappears by the time it makes its way back there.
Do you have a cry room? The incense doesn’t carry into the cry room.
Do you use a steroid inhaler? I have had good luck in doing a “preparatory” on my inhaler. Twice a day, 2 puffs, for the 2 days before I know I’ll be exposed to something that irritates my asthma. It works with incense (and cats) in my case.
Easter lilies are a whole different ballgame–and they’re the reason I completely lost my voice during Mass on Easter Sunday. Opened my mouth to sing the “Holy Holy” and nothing came out!
My son has the same problems – and he’s an altar server! Our current parish only uses incense for holidays. Our last parish used constantly!
He would use albuterol befoer Mass and we would sit in the back. If he needed to get up and leave for part of the Mass we would go into the vestibule or “cry room”.
My father has COPD (lung disease) and we just started noticing this year that the incense really bothers him. We have not asked that incense not be used, as my Dad does not mind stepping outside to get some fresh air, but I can see where that would not be a solution for some people. We go to a very large parish (10,000 members) so the church itself is a large building, with an upstairs reception area (with large balconies that look over the main church) and elevator. People have to sit up there on some occasions (Christmas and Easter of course) and I think that the incense is not nearly as strong up there as in the main church. I know that our parish is also very willing to deliver communion up there so those people don’t have to come downstairs for communion. I am wondering if you live in a large city, where it might be possible to find a large parish building that might have an easily accessible area where the incense would not be so strong and you could feel part of the congregation? I hope you find a solution to your problem.
I’m asthmatic. If my immune system is weakened by anything at all, I can’t face any incense. There is a natural incense available from the native americans in Quebec that I am significantly less suseptible to. The name escapes me at the moment. Luckily, in my case it is mild enough that I can usually participate on a good day.
It is unfortunate that the church in your community is unflexible on this. Also odd considering that we MUST follow our Easter Obligation. Some are so sensitive to perfumes and scents that they cannot go anywhere where there have been strong scents recently. This would mean that they cannot fulfill their Easter Obligation, which is a mortal sin.
I have a hard time understanding how the local Bishop would not make accomodations such as one particular church would be an insense free zone during Easter so that those Catholics with respiratory illnesses would be able to fulfill their Easter Obligation without quite litterally putting their life at risk.
I pray that you will be able to find a solution to your problem.
Where does this writer live? We are a mission church in Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania. Therefore we have only one Mass. We have parishioners who are allergic to incense. Therefore it is never used for Mass. Maybe once a year we have Benediction and that is the only time that incense is ever burned in our building.
Our parish has 5 Masses each weekend. They use incense at two Masses only. It is what I would call the most attended Masses (9am and 1030am). I would talk to your parish priest and see if he’s willing to do one without incense. Using incense only at specific Masses started after our state’s ban on indoor smoking. I don’t know if churches were included or our pastor just did it because I know we have parishioner’s on oxygen. My dad is on oxygen as well and I know he can’t tolerate incense. He also worries about any candlelight service.
ALso , if the pastor does not want to forgo the incense, you may request Holy Communion be brought to you after mass outside, or at the rectory . Seeing as that is the most important part of the mass, evEn though it would be sad to miss the liturgical aspects of this holy time, at least you would be able to receive Our Lord. . .(“at least” for lack of better wording:) Best of luck –
I just wanted to leave a quick comment about Johane’s comment. From reading her comment I get the feeling that she is saying that it is a mortal sin to not fulfill our Easter Obligation. It is NOT a mortal sin if there is no way possible to fulfill it, such as having the flu, being stuck home by a snow storm, having no vehicle and no means to get to church, or knowing that there will be incense and that you will have a horrible asthma attack. We must, of course, not make excuses about why we are unable to go to mass but if there is a valiad reason then it is not a mortal sin.
FYI: Holy Thursday and Good Friday are NOT holy days of obligation. The person who sent in the problem seems to be having issues with Holy Thursday and not Easter Sunday, if I’m reading the original post correctly. So she/he shouldn’t worry about not fulfilling their obligations if they have to miss Holy Thursday. HTH.
Thank you SO much Danielle, for posting my question to your blog! I am the Catherine who wrote to Danielle, asking what she might do, or even what others here might do, in similar circumstances. I am amazed at all of your generous comments and ideas, and want to thank EVERYONE so much!
I live in Sacramento, California, which is a mid-sized city. Our Diocesan Center has said that I can go to Mass all year round, and omit Easter and other ‘Special Occasions’ where incense is used. I’ve no idea what the bishop would say, but I can say this: 3 Catholic Churches that I contacted, have the attitude that one can tolerate incense. That is their only option, & quite honestly, they do not seem at all interested in entertaining any other ideas. I do not believe they understand the difference between allergies and asthma.
The Mass I attended on Holy Thursday was at a Church where a friend of mine, of over 30 years, is the pastor. He is aware that some people in his congregation have allergies and cannot handle incense. He is aware that I have been one of these, though he did not know, until I had to leave, that I now have asthma.
I was attending Mass because I wanted to go through Holy Week, just because I love Christ and I also love my Church. I really had no concern about Holy Days of Obligation at all – I was there only because I wanted very much to be there.
Incense is generally not used in this area except on the most important Church days of the year. This is certainly helpful; however, it makes for a very rude awakening when one is told, “Come all year round, just omit Easter”. No!
I have an internal medicine doctor and an allergist, and am on 3 medications to help this asthma. Thankfully, I am able to have flowers around, including Easter lilies. 😉 Due to the suggestions about finding a good allergist, I will speak to both of these doctors of mine, and see what they might recommend. As I’ve understood this so far, their strong advice is to avoid triggers to asthma. I have not been told that by taking albuterol (which is a ‘rescue’ medication, to take at the beginning of an asthma attack to prevent medical emergencies, hospitalization etc.), I can then be in a situation with an intense and pungent trigger like incense, but I will ask and see what the doctors would recommend.
I do have a steroid inhaler, yes. I have one that is for asthma & it also helps to prevent attacks – and I am very grateful for that! There was no way I could sit in the back of the Church, though. 🙂 Around this area, there are quite a few churches, but I don’t happen to know of one that has a crying room. I think this may be because most of the Churches here have one Mass that is primarily for children – but I don’t know for sure. The suggestion of going to a hospital chapel, if in fact they offer Mass on ‘Special Occasions’, without incense, seems like it could be quite helpful.
The question of how to have Communion has been something that I have wondered about. If it is not possible to be in the Church, then it is also not possible to walk up to the Sanctuary for Communion. I knew this was the case for me on Holy Thursday. There was no way at all. Thank you for this discussion; perhaps I can speak to the priests at churches where I attend, and see if they can approve my having someone bring Communion, to the vestibule area (or a crying room, if I can find one).
It is nice to have the suggestion made that I might write to the bishop – that this is important enough. Thank you for that. I have sent my dear priest friend a lovely Easter Card, after leaving his Church. He has written back, saying he is sorry I had to leave. He has suggested that we might have lunch, and I appreciate that. I would like to do that, if he can find the time. Clearly he does not understand the difference between allergies and asthma, as he thinks – as many personnel at churches seem to also – that with asthma, being around very pungent and heavily used incense is negotiable. That is, that it is an irritant, and one can somehow manage. This is not my experience so far.
Thank you to those who suggested I might be able to tolerate more in the future. I have no idea about that. I’m certainly willing to try medications; there is no problem there. I do think I am within my rights, just as a person, to not expose my lungs to something that could either make me violently ill (as well as scare the daylights out of people around me), or create lung damage. So I’m not really cavalier about taking medications for the specific purpose of forcing my body to tolerate what it should not be doing, if that makes any sense. 😉
Perhaps some people can tolerate more, for example if they can be in a glassed-in area; but can approach the Sanctuary to have Communion like everyone else. That is an enviable position to be in. 🙂 The idea of wearing a respirator may prove helpful, though I am rather shy and do not like to draw attention to myself. I also don’t want to disrupt Mass. If this might allow me to join a congregation and also receive Communion, well, then maybe it is something I should consider. It does seem embarrassing… 🙂 A friend joked that I could get a space suit, and dress similar to Buzz Lightyear…..
The nicest thing about everyone helping me here is that you have helped me to feel that I matter. Thank you all so very much for that. I knew, when I had to go out alone into the night on Holy Thursday, that Christ could relate to my experience ~ very much so. It was a Gift to experience that. Later, though, I wished that Church people understood this situation, and that they were willing to try to problem-solve with me, instead of just telling me to stay home & not worry about it. That really did not feel very good. It didn’t seem very loving, or (as some would say), like something that “Jesus would do”. This has been isolating, lonely & rather traumatic for me, and I just want to thank everyone, so very much, for responding!!
And Danielle, thank you so much, once again. You have a lovely blog here, and I think it helps some of us ~ more than you may know. 😉
Catherine,
My middle daughter has moderate asthma. She takes preventative medication, Flovent, daily. It has helped her tremendously. We also have Xoponex for flareups.
KC,
Thank you for sharing this info. I looked up both medications online; and Flovent, it says, is approved for treatment of 4 to 11 year olds. Apparently it used to be approved for older persons, but it doesn’t seem to be now. I will ask my doctor about Xopenex. From what it says on the web, it could be helpful. Thanks!
Anonaymous, you are being so rude! Catherine has every right to be able to a mass that she wants to go to and it’s not up to you to tell her she has problems. You should think about how your comment will make others feel before you type.
I know our parish designated 2 of the 4 weekend masses as “incense-free” and posted it in the bulletin. I hope this lady can find some priest willing to listen, maybe send out some kind letters to all the area parishes?
To Blair,
That is so unbelievably *refreshing* to know that your parish designated 2 of the 4 weekend Masses as incense-free. Thank you so much for telling us that! You know what? I think that even my priest friend, who is a terrific friend, does not want to change the way in which his parish handles this. And actually, I *would* like to send out some kind letters to the parishes in the area. Perhaps there is one that is willing to do something like what your parish does. Anywhere that has an early Mass, with no incense in the building from earlier in the day, would be absolutely do-able, and I would love that. Thank you for your suggestion.
Hi,
I don’t have asthma, but incense ( even the so-called hypoallergenic kinds) triggers migraine headaches for me…so bad that I am sick for days afterwards. It has meant that I’ve not been able to attend Holy Thursday masses for nearly a decade. I sorely miss that. Easter vigil is also not possible. And sadly, most catholic funerals as well. I have “lobbied” for incense free masses on Easter and was granted 2 masses on Easter Sunday over in the hall ( for the overflow crowd and those sensitive to incense). It was packed for both masses this year. However, it still feels a little like being exiled. Thanks for your attention to this issue.
Peace.
To Catherine and others suffering from asthma: I have been reading about the spiritual component of asthma and have found out there is a big chance that asthma has very little to do with what you breathe. Many people have been healed of various diseases by recognizing and acknowledging that something in their spirits or souls is causing the illness. Forgiveness, for example, causes havoc with one’s spirit and body, and many have found that once they forgive, they experience not only spiritual healing but physical healing as well. If you would like more information, please e-mail me at mariadoracg@yahoo.com and I will be glad to share with you what I have learned and the healing I have experienced myself. I truly believe God wants us healthy and well, so we can better do the work He has assigned for us to do. God bless…Dora
To Laura,
Thank you for sharing your experience. I *very much* appreciate knowing another person who is unable to attend on the holiest days of the Church year. Kudos to you for “lobbying” for alternatives for those who need them! I’d bet that any # of people are more than grateful to you. It is very interesting that those Masses were packed. Thank YOU for your attention to this issue, and for posting.
Peace to you as well. 😉
I have had been dealing with the incense problem and flowers for 30 years. My childhood asthma returned. It all depends on the priest and his understanding. When my son was an altar server who served Holy Thursday and the Easter Vigil we had good priests at my church. I was allowed to sit in the vesting room where I could close the door and there were speakers. We got a new pastor and soon he was helpful too. Then several years ago we got another pastor and all that came to an end. He had no patience with my constant coughing.
I need air conditioning to breath. I can not have the windows open. After doing damage to my insides from constant coughing I listened to my doctor and stopped going to Mass at my church. It was very hard to do I went there over 40 years. I go to Mass at a hopsital 2 towns away. I miss my church especially on Christmas and Easter.
I miss the music and the friends I made there over the years.It makes me very sad at times. I was lonely when I first changed but I have made new friends at the hospital Masses and the priest is wonderful. I can not believe that a priest would be so uncaring that he would do nothing to accomadate me. I was a Eucharistic Minister at my church too.I still send my weekly donation to my church. It was always like my second home. I went to Mass every day.
In addition to my asthma I have a neuromuscular disease that is attacking my lungs. It upsets me greatly that the priest will not try to help me be able to attend Mass. It is not just the incense it is all the flowers and open windows. I will never forget his comment to me one night. He told me we had had a frost and there was nothing outside that could bother me and he was opening all the windows. How could he say that not knowing what my problem was?
How can he be a priest? I will continue to attend Mass at the hospital as long as I am able to. If they ever stop it then what can I do?
I have noticed that different types of incense affect my asthma differently. Just yesterday we went to a different parish. As the incense was lit my husband noted that it smelled good. (He doesn’t usually like the smell.) I agreed but two minutes later it hit my lungs and I was on the steps of the church hoping my gasping noises didn’t reach inside and cause a scene!
I agree that a preparatory inhaler helps. Now if all the sweet older ladies who wear half a bottle of perfume would just stop sitting near me!!
Good Luck
Beth
This is an interesting thread; I wish I had time to read all the comments more carefully – if I am repeating something someone already said, I apologize.
I work in our parish office, and within the last six months, our pastor had me order a new kind of incense. There are two parts to what makes up incense: the stuff that makes it spark/burn (I can’t remember what it’s called and I’m not at work yet to check!) and the incense itself (I think I’m accurate on the two parts here – disclaimer!). Anyway, you can get some sort of bamboo stuff instead of actual incense and then there is a special sparky-stuff (yeah, real technical term!) that makes less smoke. Now, Catherine, I’m guessing that as bad as your asthma is that this solution would not actually help you.
So, as I saw someone else suggested, you could suggest to be on the “homebound” list and have an Extraordinary Minister bring you communion. I feel for you. That’s NOT the same as being at Mass at all.
I will pray for you, and for the parishes around you, that the Holy Spirit will work in them and somehow make it possible for you to celebrate at the “high” Masses. In my experience in the parish office, working with a wonderfully understanding priest, I have seen many changes made to accommodate people. But I think there are just as many who go away quietly, having never made their request in the first place, and I think it’s largely because of experiences like yours.
Though incense is one of my favorite “Catholic” things, it saddens me that something so small (and so easily omitted) is keeping you (and how many others?) away from the beauty of the Easter and “high day” liturgies.
God bless you!
My son is asthmatic, yet has no problems even serving as thurifer (server who holds the smoking incense when not in use)when incensing is part of the Mass. I offer this to let you know that it is possible for an asthmatic to attend such a Mass. Perhaps, the two churches he serves at do use a more asthma friendly mix.
It still makes us slightly nervous to smell incense in strange churches, but we now know to wait it out to see if he will have a strong reaction to it. I say strong reaction because incense can bring a low level reaction of discomfort in almost anyone because it is foriegn to our airways – so please don’t freak on me that I let an asthmatic child have a mild reaction and don’t leave. Peace. ~~~mary
My mother’s asthma is bad enough that she usually cannot tolerate being in her church for more than 10 minutes -even when it’s empty. She’s on Flovent (which is approved for adults and even allowed in pregnancy since babies need oxygen), a rescue inhaler and frequently oral steriods too.
It’s not just their parish, in a bad week she can’t tolerate any church, but some are better than others (empty old churches in Europe are best) so we held my daughter’s baptism and my sister’s wedding at a church in the next town and she was able to attend. For my son’s First Communion our DRE arranged the seating so the only people near us were friends of mine who agreed to no perfume. She was able to make it to the gospel and then stood outside and looked in through the glass door and snuck in in time to see him make his First Communion and receive herself.
It’s been a source of frustration to her for years that she can’t attend mass – especially when she is leaving 10 minutes end and people coming in late make snide remarks. And she knows her attempts at attending are disruptive – you should see the heads whip around when she starts wheezing. It sounds like she might die. If she’s not at her own church, ushers, doctors and nurses have followed her out to see if she needs an ambulance.
Currently, she stops by the parish office every Monday morning, receives Communion, and picks up a pict (?) to take Communion to a friend in a nursing home. I’ve gotten her a subscription to Living With Christ (there are also other similiar magazines) so she can read the mass readings every day. It’s not as much as she wants, but at least she can receive Communion every week.
I am a severe lifelong asthmatic and understand your situation. However, I think that it is first imperative that you have your asthma under control. This sounds like a fairly new diagnosis for you so your regimen may not be meeting your needs. As previously stated by others, talk to your doctor about other alternatives. You should be on a preventative medication. If you are needing to take your rescue inhaler more than three times a week then your meds. are not working and you need to revamp them to meet your needs to have it under control. And although a rescue inhaler is for rescue moments it has always been recommended to take a rescue inhaler 15 minutes prior to exposure/exercise etc. so that it is already in your lungs and assists in preventing a flair up. A common mistake people make is staying with their same meds. but the illness can change as can your response to the meds. Be mindful of how you are during the week to know if you regimen is working, as well as using a peak flow meter to check your lung status. It takes more than just a rescue inhaler and a random preventative med to “help” asthma-it’s about finding the right regimen for you. (Do I sound like a commercial there?)
After doing all of the above I am thrilled that I can sit in the front of the church! I also think our church uses a type of incense that is not as pungent.
I empathize and hope that you are soon able to join your congregation to partake in Mass. I can only imagine how frustrating and heartbreaking that must be. Keep us posted!
Margaret,
Please read again carefully the anonymous post you accused of being rude. You completely misread it.
The person didn’t tell Catherine she had problems.
She was commenting on part of someone else’s comment about the Easter Obligation – she was clarifying that Holy Thursday and Good Friday are not Holy Days of Obligation and not part of the Easter Obligation. I think this was mentioned because the mass that Catherine had to leave from was on Holy Thursday.
Whereas missing mass on any Sunday or a Holy Day of Obligation is a mortal sin, (as was said on previous posts) missing mass for a serious reason or through no fault of your own is not a sin. I think anonymous was just trying to clarify possible implications of someone else’s comment – not opining on whether or not Catherine should go to mass or not.
As for the Easter Obligation:
“Easter Communion” or “Easter Duty” is the “Reception of the Holy Eucharist, as prescribed by the Church, during the Easter season, which differs among countries, but generally between Ash Wednesday (or the first Sunday of Lent) and Trinity Sunday. ..it includes the reception of the sacrament of penance. Children are also to make their Easter duty, and the obligation rests on parents, guardians, and the pastor to see that this duty is fulfilled.” — Pocket Catholic Dictionary, by Fr. John Hardon, S.J.
I think this law originated back when people rarely received Holy Communion and the Church wanted them to receive it at least once a year in the Easter Season – and of course go to confession first! Now we have the opposite problem of everyone parading up to receive the Body, Blood, Soul & Divinity of Jesus Christ with probably most of them having no clue about what they’re about to receive, and/or without their soul being properly disposed to receive Him.
Short answer for the Easter Duty is to go to confession and receive Holy Communion (in that order) in the Easter Season.
Catherine, I replied before. But I wanted to add that I too have been told, by a priest, that reactions to incense are “all in someone’s head.” I just replied, respectfully, that in some cases there are actual breathing problems, and that I need to avoid incense when possible, since I do like to breathe! I think that many, many people just do not understand what it’s like to have asthma and how you really have to avoid the triggers if you want to keep on breathing!
Flovent is the “preventive” inhaler that I use, and albuterol for emergencies. I also take Singulair daily. This regimen is what works for me, to the point where I rarely need to use any inhaler. I’ve had asthma for several years now, and my doctor has tried me on several different medications until we found what worked best and keeps my asthma controlled.
I would say that now that Easter Sunday is over, this is the time for you to establish yourself in a parish, and have an honest talk with your priest (make an appointment!) and explain your health issues regarding incense. You may find that when Father is not approached about this in the vestibule by a stranger right before/after a Mass including incense, he’ll be more receptive to the information you present. Perhaps he will ask you to work with him in devising a schedule including an incense-free Mass, or researching “asthma-friendly” brands of incense. If you approach him with a solution, it will be easier to talk with him about the problem.
To Dianne – I am so sorry about your being unable to attend your church. I understand your anger about how uncaring this seems, this attitude among some priests. I felt it in my situation too! It is wonderful that you can go to the hospital, though; and that you have a good liturgy & a wonderful priest there!
I notice you have not let go of your previous situation – & feelings about it – at the Church. Sincerely, I would wish for you to be able to live happily, and at peace, you know? Wish I could give you a hug.
Quite honestly, I asked Danielle for help because I am afraid of, & do not want to be resentful in the long-term. It is clear to me that this circumstance represents a personal spiritual challenge, in that I need to find, truly, a solution; and let go of my anger. Christ lives within me to a great extend because I try – as best I can, (gulp) – to do that.
I truly wish that you will have peace. Again, my heart goes out to you, Dianne. Thank you so much for sharing your story ~ you have helped me too. Blessings to you, and peace.
To Sarah R. – Thanks much for explaining the 2 parts of what makes up incense. That is great information to have, and it may be of help at some point. 🙂
Also, thank you so much for your prayers for me & the parishes nearby to find a way to allow me to join in. When you said you think that there are just as many people who go away quietly due to experiences like mine, I wonder whether they – like me – told their pastor their situation, but the pastor was ‘passive’, just saying “Oh yes, some are sensitive, & you are one of them”. It’s a subtle kind of ignoring & it’s very frustrating. It is wonderful that your priest/employer is understanding!
To Marie – thank you for mentioning about the snide remarks some people make to, or about, asthmatics at church. I noticed the VERY negative attitude, though unspoken (or at least not in so many words) toward me from the usher and from a small family nearby in the vestibule. No one deserves this over a health challenge! I’m so sorry your Mom struggles with this. Thank you for giving the name of the subscription, ‘Living with Christ’ – I will look into that & similar publications. Nothing can substitute for Mass, and particularly for the Eucharist; but I’m very willing to look for spiritual reading material (daily readings, other things) that might help.
To Kris – thank you for explaining about managing asthma. So far I have not been offered a rescue inhaler; the doctors want to see if I can manage on 2 puffs, twice a day, of the preventative maintenance steroid inhaler. You’re right that this is pretty new for me – I was diagnosed by Pulmonary @ the local hospital just after New Year’s Day.
That is amazing that you can sit in the front of your church! Congratulations, Kris! It is helpful that you shared about your church using a less pungent incense. I will communicate with my priest friend about this & see what his reaction might be.
I appreciate you empathy very, very much. Yes it was heartbreaking. Thanks so much.
Having functioned as a Master of Ceremonies for almost two decades in various parish churches that had rather “high” ceremony as the general rule, and terrific amounts of incense on a more than weekly basis, let me offer the following observations:
1). The use of incense is strongly encouraged by Holy Mother Church at Solemn Mass and is required at High Masses in the Extrodinary Form and always at Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Incense has a theological importance and is highly valued by the Church in her Eurcharistic worship.
2). For years, I have encountered the myth that certain hypoallergenic or high-end incense does not effect those who suffer from respitory difficulties. I have yet to locate such a product. I typically use high-end incense from both the USA and Europe and have tried the “allergy free” incense. There is always someone who is adversely affected. When it comes down to it, incense is smoke, and when you have difficulty breathing, smoke is smoke.
3).
Our parish uses incense at certain masses, but also stipulates some that do not, and for those, there is also a “fragrance free” section, where people are asked to sit only if they do not use products with fragrances that might cause issues for those who have sensitivities to them.
I don’t want anyone to take this the wrong way. I’m an RN who works in pulmonary rehabilitation, and a Catholic, so this is a very interesting & pertinent thread to me. However, I also find myself thinking about a friend of mine who has Celiac disease to such a severe extent, that he cannot tolerate any wheat products at all, including the wafers that become the Host. He attends mass faithfully, goes up in the communion line to receive a blessing, but unless the Precious Blood is offered, he is unable to physically receive Communion.
Those of us who have no physical barriers to reception of the Eucharist, should be properly humble & grateful, for this gift that we take for granted.
Those who do have physical conditions that impede reception, must continue to pray for guidance on how to deal with these impediments, offer up the physical (and mental) suffering that is involved in dealing with the impediments for the souls in purgatory, and be grateful that we live in a time and a country where there are more medical treatments available and accessible for these impediments, than at any other time in the history of Christendom.
I’m sorry, the post was submited before it was completed.
3). On Sundays and Holy days, most parishes have early morning Masses without smoke – and before any smoke is used that day. There are certain occassions when incense will be unaviodable, such as Holy Thursday, where incense is required during the procession to the Repository and strongly encourged by the Ceremonial for the Mass.
4). Having been involved in ceremony for decades, I have not yet found an adequate answer for those who are prevented from attending various solemn functions due to the incense. The answer is not to do away with the incense, however. One of the marks of a Solemn Mass is the presence of the incense. Nevertheless, the Church never wants to turn away one of the faithful who yearns to cerlebrate with Her the pivitol moments of the liturgical year.
5). I also have asthma. I understand the issue with not being able to breathe. The best suggestions I have heard, and I would re-echo are to work with your physicians, maybe sit in a cry room, etc. on the few occassions when the smoke can not be avoided, such as the Triduum. On the up side, other than Christmas Midnight Mass, Holy Thursday and the Great Paschal Vigil on Holy Saturday night, there should not be a problem locating an early morning Mass without the smoke.
6). Please remember that whenever there is a Eucharistic procession or Benediction, and frequently when there is a Mass that is “Solemn” or “High” there will be smoke.
Finally, I want to remind you that both Our Divine Lord and the Church loves you very much and do not wish the Solemn Rites to be a barrier for you. However, there are occassions when incense will be unavoidable. On those rare occasssions, remember that the Lord loves you and is close to you. Moreover, you gain extra merit in His sight becuase your zeal to worship Him exceeds your physical health. St. Faustina had occassion to desire to attend in chapel but her health did not permit. The Lord understands the problem and has granted you this Cross for reasons that are known to Him. Finally, I would recommend either seeking the counsel of your spiritual director in dealing with the difficult reality that your health may prevent you from attending certain non-obligatory occassions that you strongly desire to be at. Best wishes any May Our Lord Bless You.
I don’t really have anything to add on the incense question, though lots of good suggestions have been offered. I do want to say something about the Easter Obligation that has been mentioned to clear up any possible misunderstanding.
The Easter Duty is the duty of Catholics to receive holy communion at least once a year during the Easter season. You do not have to be present at Easter Sunday Mass (if you are impeded by illness or other serious reason from attending) to fulfill this duty. You can fulfill it any time during the Easter season.
To Tom – Thank you for what you wrote about my wish to attend Mass being more powerful than my health is able to support. I hadn’t thought of it in that way, but I guess that is correct. I would like to share with you that, although leaving Mass on Holy Thursday was a very painful thing, and I did so with a heavy and hurting heart; it was the case that I received consolation spiritually as I left, and all throughout that weekend. I was aware that Christ did accompany me out into the night; I was aware of and could feel that sense of Presence.
You make a good point about God allowing a person to have this burden, and yet that God is close by and understands this problem ~ and any individual has is so burdened. 🙂 I have been creating artwork for greeting cards that are spiritual in nature, Catholic specifically. When the Holy Thursday event happened, I was taken into such aloneness and pain, alone in the night, that it caused me to reflect at length on what Christ experienced; and what He could be saying to me now. “Where is He in this?”, I asked myself. Your share has helped me to see that, just possibly, this deep sense of hurt, isolation and aloneness is something that I could certainly share – to empathize with & console others – through my greeting cards for various occasions and purposes. In fact, perhaps this is what God was/is trying to say to me.
It is interesting, isn’t it, how painful or negative experiences can be used by God, if we are willing, to help us to share His love in the way that we, as individuals, can? Perhaps I see more clearly, now, how God may be wishing to utilize me. It is also the case that, now that I know what it is truly like to have my Church choose ritual over inclusiveness, I am in a position to be more aware of, compassionate toward, and inclusive of others. So, for example, perhaps taking an elderly person with me, from a nursing home to Mass at a hospital chapel, may be something I could do as a spiritual gift which has grown out of this sad experience. Reaching out is what I believe Christ would do; and so I believe I am called to do that as well.
Well, this is certainly a lot of food for thought. It is really difficult to participate in Mass when something elemental about the Mass is physically impossible for you to enjoy. I have asthma, but thankfully it is mild enough that I can be around incense.
I know I’m throwing a curve ball into the conversation, but I can really relate to the feelings some of you have because I have Celiac Disease, which prevents me from eating anything with gluten, which is found in wheat products…including…the Eucharist.
When I was diagnosed, I was really upset, but I didn’t realize how sad going to Mass would make me. Before I was diagnosed, I never really appreciated the Eucharist, but then, when I couldn’t have it anymore, I began to understand what is so important about the Eucharist. Sometimes, it is important to step back and ask why God wants you to carry this cross. It sounds like your desire to attend Mass has been strengthened and your willingness to support a bit of practical reform at your church has grown, too. Also, you’re much more sympathetic to what other people need at Mass, and possibly elsewhere. Maybe there are other ways, too, that this challenge is actually a blessing in disguise.
Hi Elizabeth,
And thank you for posting. I am really glad you did, because this is helping me to see what others, as well as myself, go through in order to try to retain the wonderful sense of spirituality that the Catholic Church has given us and nurtured in us…..
I feel very strongly that Jesus would say that every person is important; that each of us matter, and that there is no one who should be prevented from His Table. If anything, I’d imagine that He would be the one to bring it to the attention of the authorities, has this happened to him or had he witnessed it.
So, with that thought in mind, I am thinking, there must be alternative compounds, that do not necessarily contain wheat, that can be used to make bread and Eucharistic hosts. I have some allergies and wheat is one of them. But I have found that there are things like barley flour, pinto bean flour, even oatmeal, that can be used as a substitute for bread and similar foods.
You would know more about this than I; but I’d like to just say that you matter, and that, in my humble opinion, it would not be out of the question at all, if you were to see if you can find a priest or parish or bishop – whomever – who may be willing to bless the regular Communion ‘accidents’; and have a slightly different compound that you are able to ingest safely.
I do believe that if Jesus were here, in human form today, He would weigh the realities of having the Church deny the use of slightly different compounds because IT HAS TO BE WHEAT; or honor the amazing reality that you are hungry for Christ. And so, because that is more important, the Church will find a way to give the Eucharist to you.
I understand that some people will not agree with me. I want you to know, however, that you have a kindred spirit here, in terms of your mattering to The Body of Christ, as a whole; and its being just fine for you to speak up.
On my situation: thank you for your lovely & thoughtful remarks. I am going to be considering a number of options, some of which involve only myself; and others which would involve others here, locally. I’m printing out the entire thread here, and will pray about this – knowing, now, that I am not the only one who is so affected. I think you are right, that this is – or can be – a blessing in disguise. Only prayer will make it so though, I think; because, like you, I feel very sad indeed. Our discussion and Danielle’s thoughtfulness & generosity have given me some considerable comfort, some possible solutions, and some healing of the worst of the pain. However, I woke up today so sad that it was hard to get up. Believe me, I empathize with your sadness over your being excluded from the Eucharist due to a health condition.
Someone asked that I keep the group posted, and I shall. I will hopefully speak with my priest friend and see what prayer and some effort might bring. And I’ll let Danielle know what comes of this. To Elizabeth and others who are suffering, please know how very much you have touched me, how grateful I am for your sharing and your suggestions, and that you are in my prayers too.
Catherine,
I have had asthma all my life…I remember as a young child having difficulty breathing after playing. At that time, my mom would give me a spoonful of “Marax” and make me sit quietly in a chair until I was breathing better. I am 37 now and still have asthma. When I was young many people said that asthma was “all in your head” – but mine is clearly genetic since both my grandmother and my mother had it, too. It is difficult to explain to someone who has never experienced a true asthma attack how scary and draining it is to gasp, cough, and still not get enough air!
I have never had a problem with incense – in fact, I love it! But “triggers” are different for everyone. Cats are my “emergency room” trigger. –And I was always advised – “stay away from cats” – it’s easier said then done when your best friend and all your relatives have cats!
Steroid inhalers have done wonders for me. I rarely use my albuterol at all anymore – although I always carry one in my purse and I have one in my nightstand. Also, I know that pretreating with the albuterol when you know you might be in a situation that can affect your asthma does usually help some. And I make sure to take an oral antihistimine (claritin) if I know I will be going to a “cat house”. –But, it only gives me a little bit of time before I just have to leave. And then I cough and use the albuterol for a couple hours and it can take a day or two before I am back to “normal”.
I pray that you find a priest who will be sensitive and receptive to your needs. It seems that an incense-free Mass would be a nice option for many people.
God bless you on your journey!
Amy Jo,
Thank you for posting, & for your good wishes! Gosh, asthma is scary enough to have as an adult; it boggles the mind to think what it would have been like for you as a young child! I’m so sorry. It’s so true that few people have any idea what it is like to be genuinely *unable* to breathe? I must say, I had an education, though, when I kept having attacks everywhere I went – business meetings, luncheons, classes – and I would start to cough, then choke, then gag and turn red like a radish. Any number of times, people came over to me and looked very scared, then asked, “Are you alright? Are you alright?” I knew they were going to call 911. The attacks were too violent, I could not speak to answer – only gesture and leave, basically.
I hear you, about the helpfulness of an antihistamine. At this point, I’m taking allegra daily – along with asteline (steroid) and advair (steroid inhaler) twice a day. It is *really* interesting to read what you say about albuterol for prevention – thanks!! I am definitely going to discuss this with my allergist, and see if there might be anything more to assist, medicinally. Heck, even some small degree of help would be great, because I quite literally was ‘smoked out the door’ @ that Mass. There was just no choice at all. I would love to be able to have *any* margin of choice.
Cats are your main triggers, huh? Oh gosh. I know it is difficult! I was puzzled because I can deal with flowers, cats, detergents and some scents; but am triggered by paint and fumes like that, exercise, extremes of temperature, dust & dust mites, and some foods. Thanks for saying that each person’s triggers are different!
Thanks so much for wishing that I find a good, sensitive priest to help with this! My dear priest friend, the one whose Mass smoked me out, is generally a very loving individual. He has offered to meet for lunch; but I think he is waiting. Perhaps I’ve not yet been clear enough on what I want; I don’t want to wreck things for other people or anything. Triduum was not the time to ask him for help! In most things, he is quite flexible. I am surprised that he does not seem to want to hear about this ~ although I know he will, if pressed by me. I guess his spirituality is more that of ‘Christ the King’ than ‘Jesus our Brother’; so he does not want to give up any part of the pomp and circumstance. (Parishioners have asked him to do that in the past 😉 But I will see. Perhaps with him – and perhaps with others.
Thanks so much, Amy Jo! God bless you too!
I love the smell of incense, but the last time that it was used at Mass I was affected by it and started to cough.
Thak you, i realize that now but it could have been more nicely phrased though.
P.S. I’m sorry anon