Catholic Prayer for the Dying
Catholic tradition surrounds the dying with a specific pattern of prayer and sacrament, distinct from the prayers offered afterward for the dead. When death is near, a priest may be called to celebrate the Anointing of the Sick and, if the person can still receive it, Viaticum, Communion given as "food for the journey" into eternal life, along with the Apostolic Pardon, a final blessing that imparts a plenary indulgence. But a priest isn't always available in time.
Catholics have long prayed the Commendation of the Dying at the bedside themselves, with a family member, friend, or the dying person's own community entrusting them to God in the Church's traditional words. This page brings together that traditional commendation prayer and original prayers for the vigil, whether or not a priest has reached the room yet.
The Commendation of a Departing Soul (Traditional Text)
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. Go forth, faithful Christian. May you live in peace this day, and may your home be with God. Amen.
A Short Prayer While Waiting for a Priest
Lord Jesus, we are waiting for a priest to come, and we don't know if there's time. Until then, receive our prayers as we entrust this soul to You. Forgive their sins, calm their fear, and hold them close. Amen.
A Prayer to St. Joseph, Patron of a Happy Death
St. Joseph, you died with Jesus and Mary at your side, and the Church has long turned to you as patron of a happy and holy death. Intercede now for the one who is dying. Ask the Lord for a peaceful passing, free of fear, surrounded by the same love that surrounded you at the end. Amen.
A Prayer for the Family Keeping Vigil
Merciful Father, we sit with our loved one in these final hours, holding the rosary, holding their hand, not knowing exactly what to pray next. Give us the grace to be fully present instead of anxious about what comes. Let the sacraments they have received, or the prayers we offer in their place, carry them gently to You. Comfort us as we keep this holy watch. Amen.
A Short Prayer for a Peaceful, Holy Death
Lord, grant a peaceful and holy death, free of pain and full of Your mercy. Amen.
Scripture to pray
Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.— Luke 23:46
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.— 2 Timothy 4:7
Frequently asked questions
What are the Last Rites?
"Last Rites" is the common name for the Church's sacramental care of the dying: the Anointing of the Sick, Confession if the person is able, and Viaticum (Communion for the dying) if possible, often concluding with the Apostolic Pardon. Not every element requires a priest present at the literal moment of death; Anointing can be received earlier in a serious illness, and the Commendation prayers on this page can be prayed by anyone at the bedside.
What is Viaticum?
Viaticum is Holy Communion given to someone who is dying. The word means "food for the journey," and it's understood as the Eucharist accompanying a Catholic through death into eternal life, distinct in that specific purpose from ordinary Communion received at Mass.
What is the Apostolic Pardon?
The Apostolic Pardon is a final blessing a priest may give a dying Catholic, imparting a plenary indulgence, full remission of the temporal punishment due to sin, as part of the Church's pastoral care for the dying. It's typically given alongside the Anointing of the Sick when a priest is present.
Can I pray the Commendation of the Dying if no priest is present?
Yes. The Commendation prayers are meant to be prayed at the bedside by family, friends, or anyone keeping vigil, whether or not a priest has arrived. They entrust the dying person to God in the Church's own traditional words and don't require ordination to pray.
How is this different from the Eternal Rest prayer?
The Eternal Rest prayer ("Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord") is prayed for someone who has already died. The Commendation of the Dying on this page is prayed while the person is still living, in their final hours: the Catholic parallel to the general prayer for the dying elsewhere on this site.