When a loved one is nearing death or has passed away, it can feel overwhelming to find ways to offer comfort, both for the person’s soul and for yourself. The Catholic Church provides a wealth of prayers specifically designed for these moments, steeped in centuries of tradition. Whether you are sitting at the bedside of the dying or praying for a loved one who has passed on, these prayers offer hope, mercy, and peace. Below are nine major Catholic prayers for the dead and dying, along with their texts and guidance on how and when to use them.
1. The Anointing of the Sick (Last Rites)
Purpose: The Anointing of the Sick is one of the sacraments of the Church, designed to prepare the soul for its journey to eternal life. It includes prayers for forgiveness of sins and healing.
When to Use: This sacrament is given when someone is seriously ill or near death.
Where the Prayer Can Be Found: Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), Paragraphs 1499-1532.
Prayer:
“Through this holy anointing may the Lord in His love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. Amen. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up. Amen.”
2. The Commendation of the Dying (Commendatio Animae)
Purpose: This prayer entrusts the soul of the dying to God, invoking His mercy and calling upon the saints to welcome the soul into heaven.
When to Use: As someone nears their final moments.
Where the Prayer Can Be Found: Roman Ritual, Commendation of the Dying.
Prayer:
“Go forth, Christian soul, from this world, in the name of God the Almighty Father, who created you, in the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, who suffered for you, in the name of the Holy Spirit, who was poured out upon you.”
“May you return to your Creator who formed you from the dust of the earth. May holy Mary, the angels, and all the saints come to meet you as you go forth from this life.”
3. The Rosary (Sorrowful Mysteries)
Purpose: The Rosary offers reflection on the life and suffering of Jesus Christ. The Sorrowful Mysteries, in particular, are prayed during times of illness or grief, seeking intercession for the soul of the dying or deceased.
When to Use: During a vigil, wake, or after someone has passed away.
Where the Prayer Can Be Found: Common Catholic Prayer Resources, such as The Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
Prayer:
“Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.”
“Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.”
4. The Divine Mercy Chaplet
Purpose: The Divine Mercy Chaplet is a powerful prayer for the dying, invoking God’s infinite mercy on the soul, especially at the hour of death.
When to Use: During the last moments of a person’s life, or when praying for the deceased.
Where the Prayer Can Be Found: Diary of Saint Faustina Kowalska, Entry 1731.
Prayer:
“Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.”
“For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.”
5. The Litany for the Dying
Purpose: This litany invokes mercy on the dying, asking for peace and for deliverance from eternal death.
When to Use: In the final moments of life.
Where the Prayer Can Be Found: Roman Ritual, Litany for the Dying.
Prayer:
“Deliver his (her) soul, O Lord, from eternal death, in the day of judgment. Deliver him (her), O Lord. May Christ, who called thee, receive thee, and may the angels lead thee into Abraham’s bosom.”
“Receive his (her) soul and present him (her) to God the Most High.”
6. The Eternal Rest Prayer (Requiem Æternam)
Purpose: This prayer is said for the dead, asking for eternal rest and peace for the soul.
When to Use: Often prayed at funerals or during times of remembrance.
Where the Prayer Can Be Found: Missal or Book of Common Catholic Prayers.
Prayer:
“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.”
7. The Prayers of Final Commendation and Farewell
Purpose: This prayer is offered at the graveside or at the end of a funeral service, entrusting the soul of the deceased to God.
When to Use: At the end of a funeral or during burial.
Where the Prayer Can Be Found: Order of Christian Funerals, Final Commendation.
Prayer:
“Into your hands, O Lord, we commend our brother (sister) in the sure and certain hope that, together with all who have died in Christ, he (she) will rise with him on the last day.”
8. The Office of the Dead (Liturgy of the Hours)
Purpose: A series of Psalms, prayers, and readings offered in remembrance of the deceased, as part of the Divine Office.
When to Use: Prayed on the day of death, at funerals, or on special remembrance days.
Where the Prayer Can Be Found: Liturgy of the Hours, Office of the Dead.
Excerpt from the Prayer:
“Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice! Let Your ears be attentive to my voice in supplication. If You, O Lord, mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand? But with You is forgiveness, that You may be revered.”
9. The Novena for the Dead
Purpose: This novena is a series of prayers said over nine days to ask for the soul’s purification and eternal rest.
When to Use: Prayed for nine consecutive days following the death of a loved one.
Where the Prayer Can Be Found: Various Catholic Prayer Books or Resources.
Prayer for the First Day:
“O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, grant to the souls of Thy servants departed the remission of their sins, that through pious supplications they may obtain the pardon they have always desired. Amen.”
