Understanding Our Faith

Commendation of the Dying

Over the last two weeks we have looked at the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick and then at Viaticum.  This week we will look at another beautiful ritual called the Commendation of the Dying.

The Introduction to this ritual makes the following comment: “In viaticum the dying person is united with Christ in his passage out of this world to the Father.  Through the prayers for the commendation of the dying…, the Church helps to sustain this union until it is brought to fulfilment after death.”

The Commendation of the Dying provides a series of readings and prayers which can be used as the minister sees fit.  There is a series of short opening scripture texts, then a large selection of scriptural readings to be chosen as is appropriate.  These are followed by the Litany of the Saints adapted to the occasion.  Then come various Prayers of Commendation. 

What we are given for this rite is a set of resources to be used according to the circumstances in which it is to be used.

I would like to include here a couple of the core prayers of this rite which can give us a taste of its spirit.  These prayers are the first two prayers of commendation:

Go forth, Christian soul, from this world

in the name of God, the almighty Father, who created you,

in the name of Jesus Christ, Son of the living God,

who suffered for you,

in the name of the Holy Spirit, who was poured out upon you.

go forth, faithful Christian.

May you live in peace this day, may your home be with God…

The other prayer is:

I commend you, my dear brother/sister to almighty God,

and entrust you to your creator.

May you return to him who made 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.

May Christ who was crucified for you bring you freedom and peace.

May Christ who died for you admit you into his garden of paradise.

May Christ, the true Shepherd, acknowledge you as one of his flock.

May he forgive you all your sins, and set you among those he has chosen.

May you see your redeemer face to face, and enjoy the vision of God forever.

Amen

The prayers and readings of this rite can be used as many times as wished, with the variety that is built into it.  It does not have to be led by a priest but can be led by other appropriate ministers.  The Introduction to the rite actually says that “other members of the community should be prepared to assist with these prayers and should have the texts readily available to them.”

By Fr Frank O’Loughlin

This article is part 4 of the series Understanding Our Faith.

Part 3:  Viaticum: Sacrament for the Dying

Part 2:  Anointing of the Sick

Part 1:  Do we have Last Rites?