Arise Media 
It is on a Sunday unlike any other at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, a prayer house adjacent to Embu prison.
The sun rose gently over the horizon, casting a golden hue across the somber stained glass windows. Inside, however, there is an atmosphere of anticipation and reverence.
This Sunday, the church would witness the consecration of a new altar and blessing of the Tabernacle and Ambo, a sacred event led by Archbishop Anthony Muheria—the Diocese of Embu Apostolic administrator.
The Holy Mass procession starts as usual, followed by other programs until the Archbishop is through with the Homily when he removes the chasuble, ready to launch the consecration process.
Consecration is an act by which the altar or a thing is separated from secular or profane use and dedicated permanently to the sacred by prayers, rites, and ceremonies.
It starts when the altar is bare before it is blessed, anointed with Holy Chrism, and then covered.
“The altar is covered to help us understand because we can’t see with our bare eyes the happenings when bread and blood of Jesus are blessed on it,” Archbishop Muheria explains.
One of the many symbolic acts performed during the consecration particularly stood out —placing incensed hot pots on the altar.
These pots are carefully prepared before the ritual. The charcoal is ignited until it glows red-hot. They are then placed on the altar before grains of incense are added releasing a fragrant smoke that swirls upwards, filling the air with its sweet and spicy aroma.
The use of fire and incense in religious rituals dates back to the Old Testament. In the Catholic tradition, the burning of incense symbolizes the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven.
Rev. Fr. Isaiah Njiru, the Principal of St. Augustine Teachers’ Training College says the purpose of incensing and the symbolic value of the smoke is purification and sanctification.
“The smoke symbolizes the prayers of the faithful drifting up to heaven. The Psalmist prays, “Let my prayer come like incense before you; the lifting up of my hands, like the evening sacrifice” (Psalm 141),” he says.
In the General Instruction of the Roman Missal incense may be used during the entrance procession; at the beginning of Mass, to incense the altar; at the procession and proclamation of the Gospel; at the offertory, to incense the offerings, altar, priest, and people; and at the elevation of the Sacred Host and chalice of Precious Blood after the consecration.
According to the priest who is also the Chairman of the Kenya Counselling and Psychological Association (KCPA)-Embu Chapter, incense is used to show respect for the altar, the cross, the book of the gospels, the bread and wine, and the participants in the Holy Mass.
“Incensing the Altar, Tabernacle, and Ambo among other things, attracts the presence of deities or spiritual entities, making the space sacred and blessed. Therefore, consecrated places including the Altars require a lot of respect,” he notes.
After consecrating the Altar and blessing the Tabernacle and Ambo, Archbishop Muheria emphasized the importance of consistent spiritual practice.
He passionately urged Christians to make visiting the church and engaging in prayer a regular part of their lives, reminding them that the church doors would always be open, welcoming all who seek solace and spiritual renewal.
Rev. Fr. Jeremiah Kinyua, the Our Lady of Assumption Parish priest echoed the Archbishop’s sentiments, imploring Christians to find time for the sacred practice.
“Our church is not just a building; it is a sanctuary of peace, a place where you can connect deeply with God,” he says.
Send us your story via
news@arisemediagroup.co.ke or WhatsApp 0750456085
Book Advert-use above contacts
647
