True Catholic News

How to Assist the Dying when a Priest is not Present

Source: "Catholic Practice at Church and at Home:
The Parishioner's Little Rule Book, a Guide for Catholics
in the External Practice of Their Holy Religion", pp. 104-106,
By Fr. Alexander Klauder, Angel Guardian Press, 1898, Imp.

As it is not always possible for a Priest
to be *present at the actual moment of
death, especially in large parishes, and
more especially where the parish covers a
large territory, the faithful should them-
selves endeavor to assist their dying
brethren after the Priest has administered
the last sacraments.

*This is most true during this, the Apostasy. -Editor of TCW

When they see that the patient's end is approaching, they should light a *blessed candle and assist him [if patient doesn't have a highly contagious disease -TCW] to hold it in his hand, at least during the regular prayers for the dying and in the actual moment of death. If the agony should last
a considerable time, some one else may hold
the candle near by and keep it in readiness.

My Jesus Mercy! (100 Days Indulgence)

(*"Blessed Candles. Every Catholic household
should be provided with one or more blessed
candles. These candles should be of pure bees'
wax. Other kinds, such as parafine, spermacetior
or tallow candles will not answer the purpose of
candles prescribed by the Church. ... Have a pair
of candlesticks for them, so as to be able to light
them at once when they are needed.

They are needed particularly when Holy
Communion or the last sacraments are
administered, as well as at a funeral. It
is well to light them also in times of great
distress, as in sudden dangerous sickness,
on occasions of violent storms, fires, floods,
and the like; as the candles convey a blessing
to the house." -Fr. Klauder, pp. 209-210)

Some one should read the prayers for
the dying from the prayer-book as well
as other prayers after them, if the death-
agony should continue.

If the agony should last very long,
these and other prayers may be repeated
from time to time.

The person holding the candle or
kneeling close to the dying person should,
from time to time, and especially at the
last moment, repeat short and fervent in-
vocations to him, such as: "My Jesus,
mercy." "My Jesus, forgive me my
sins; I am heartily sorry for them."
"Sweet Heart of Mary, be my salvation."
"Jesus, Mary and Joseph, assist me,"
"Jesus, Mary and Joseph, into your
hands I commend my body and my soul."
''Lord, not my will, but thine be done."
"Father, into Thy hands I commend my
spirit." "Angel Guardian and my Holy
Patron, assist me," etc , etc.

Sprinkle the dying person often with
holy water, especially if he should seem
to have a hard struggle.

Let not too many persons crowd into
the death-chamber, especially if it is
small. If there should be many visitors,
let them remain but a short time to say
some prayers and then retire.

Do not sit around in the sick-room or
adjoining rooms, unless you are sure you
will be needed and can be of assistance.

"Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death."

Prayer to Our Lady of Sorrows for a Happy Death

Invoke St. Barbara to Receive

True Sacraments Before Death

"...all who shall invoke Thee in memory of my sufferings and
death... at the end of their life, may receive the last sacraments ... ."

St. Barbara is considered the patroness of a happy death,
because she has obtained for many of her clients the grace
to receive the last sacraments, when in danger of dying
without them. This favor the Virgin Martyr asked as her
pagan father was about to deal her death-blow. "Lord
Jesus," she prayed, who art infinitely good and the sure
foundation of hope and salvation for those who believe in
Thee, grant, I beg Thee, that all who shall invoke Thee in
memory of my sufferings and death, may feel the effects of
Thy mercy and above all, at the end of their life, may
receive the last sacraments with a truly humble and contrite
heart and be delivered from the snares of the devil."

(Source: The Apostleship of Prayer 1895 A.D.,
Shrine of Our Lady of Martyrs, Auriesville, N.Y.)