Q: More and more I see priest celebrants even bishops encensing the statues of the Patron Saint of the Parish and/or the Statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the beginning of the Mass. But I can’t find any provision for that in the GIRM. Anyway, it hurts nobody. I would like to know if there is any background to that, or if it is allowed, because GIRM 277 speaks only of encensing the cross and the altar at the beginning of the Mass. Can these statues of Patron Saints and Blessed Virgin Mary be considered in the category of images of the Saints exposed for public veneration, which are incensed with two swings, only at the beginning of the celebration? (GIRM 277)

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A: Yes, the two swings for such images at the beginning of the celebration is permitted. I imagine this is to ensure that the cross, receiving three swings, has more importance at Mass.

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