Altar Appointments

Incense / Charcoal

For 50 years, incense blending was done by the monks of New Melleray Abbey.  In 1985, this enterprise was transferred to Assumption Abbey, another Trappist monastery and daughterhouse which was founded in New Melleray in 1950.  The monks of Assumption Abbey are continuing the long tradition of producing superior liturgical incense and providing prompt, courteous service.  Trappist incense is a compound of 5 or 6 ingredients according to each formula requirement.  The incense texture is a combination of larger and smaller beads of frankincense, a measure of powdered material and bits of aromatic elements.  This insures that the incense begins burning at once, when placed upon the live coals of charcoal, and continues to send its mild fragrant smoke for an extended period without melting into gum, which smothers the fire in the censor.  Trappist incense is packaged in one pound boxes and five-ounce boxes.

The monks of Assumption Abbey and nuns of Nazareth Hermitage continue the monastic tradition of producing superior quality liturgical incense.  Each blend is made according to strict requirements from a compound of imported ingredients.

Abbatial: Three types of frankincense with myrrh, rose and cedar - evoking a fragrant, spicy aroma.