Rosary for the Dead: Printable Prayer Card
A printable Rosary for the Dead card gathers the opening intention, the traditional Eternal Rest prayer, and a closing prayer on a single page, so the words are close at hand during a wake, funeral, or graveside prayer. It's prayed on an ordinary five-decade rosary, most often with the Sorrowful Mysteries, and offered with a specific soul in mind.
Print a copy for your prayer group, keep one in the car for the drive to a funeral home, or slip one inside a sympathy card for someone who is grieving. Below the card, you'll find scripture and answers to the questions people ask most before they begin.
Prints one card per page. Standard letter size. Use your browser’s Print dialog to save as PDF.
Before You Begin
State your intention silently or aloud before the first bead: "I offer this Rosary for the soul of [name]." Then pray the Rosary as you normally would (the Sign of the Cross, the Apostles' Creed, and the five decades), most commonly with the Sorrowful Mysteries, which meditate on Christ's suffering and death.
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An Opening Prayer
Lord, I offer this Rosary for the soul of my loved one who has died. Receive them into Your mercy, and comfort those of us who grieve. Amen.
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The Eternal Rest Prayer (pray at the start and end)
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
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A Closing Prayer
May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
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Scripture to pray
It is a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins.— 2 Maccabees 12:46
Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.— 1 Thessalonians 4:13
Frequently asked questions
How do I print this Rosary for the Dead card?
Click 'Print / Save as PDF' above the card section, then choose your printer, or select 'Save as PDF' to keep a digital copy on your phone for a wake or funeral. The intention, the Eternal Rest prayer, and the closing prayer print on their own page so it's easy to follow.
Which mysteries do you pray on a Rosary for the dead?
The Sorrowful Mysteries are the traditional choice, since they meditate on Christ's suffering and death, but any set of mysteries may be prayed with the soul of the departed as the intention.
What do you say when offering a Rosary for someone who died?
A simple line before you begin is enough: "I offer this Rosary for the soul of [name]." Many also pray the Eternal Rest prayer, "Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them," at the start and the close.