The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1916-09-09
THE LAST MOMENTS.

THE LAST MOMENTS.
No moments are so supreme as the
last moments of life; no journey is so
great as the journey to eternity. The
Church wishes the dying to receive all
the spiritual help that she can give
them. Through her representative,
the priest, she forgives, encourages
and strengthens those who are about
to die. The priest should be sent for
in good time in order that the last
Sacraments may be administered.
When it is clear that death is newt
able, If the sick person is in any way
able. he should occupy himself entire
ly with his God, abandoning himself
to His Divine will, having absolute
confidence in His great mercy, and
making short, fervent acts of faith,
hope, love and sorrow for his sins.
If through physical exhaustion or
want of mental concentration, he be
unable to engage in prayer, someone
should help him by either suggesting
prayers or reading them for him in
slow, quiet, distinct manner, and ask
ing him to follow in mind and heart.
The prayers read should be in refer
ence to faith, hope, love of God, and
sorrow for sin. If he indicates that
there is anything on his conscience,
let the priest be sent for again.
Those in the death chamber should
try to control their emotions, allay
excitement and calm their feelings.
They should bend all their efforts in
a quiet, determined manner towards
giving the dying all the religious as
sistance in their power. The room
should not be crowded; anything that
may distract should be removed, or
any person that may bring up evil
memories should be excluded. The
room should be quiet and religious,
the attendants prayerful and in ear
nest. If there be time these prepare
tions should not be left to the last
moment. Have holy water, a blessed
candle and a crucifx in the room.
Have the prayer-book at hand, and be
familiar with the necessary prayers.
If the dying can pray, encourage
him to do so by suggesting prayers
and aspirations; if he cannot, then
pray for him and try to make him
follow in mind.
When you think the end is drawing
near, put the blessed candle in his
hand, adjust the crucifix so he can
see it, if possible; sprinkle him and
the room with holy water, and, kneel
ing down, begin the prayers of the
dying. They can be found in most
prayer books. If he cannot hold the
candle let someone hold it in his
hands for him. Repeat to him, espe
cially at the last moment, short invo
cations, such as Jesus, Mary, Joseph,
my Jesus, Mercy" Lord, into Thy
hands l commend my spirit etc. II
the agony lasts long, repeat the
prayers of the dying or say the Ros
airy. Watch and pray until the end.
Extreme Unction is the Sacrament
of the dying. 1t is administered t
those who are in danger of deatl
from sickness, a wound or an acci
dent. 1t RENTS sin, cleanses the sou
from the remains of sin, and give!
strength to the soul in that last hou
when the faculties have become ex
tremely weak, and human nature ha!
lost its power to resist. Should Coz
see fit, it may be instrumental in re
storing the sick to health.
Persons dangerously i'll are obliged
to be anointed if there is any pos
sibility of getting a priest. The!
should not delay too long in SENDING
for one, for they may lose the ust
of reason, or the severity of thei
sickness may prevent them from
making good confession or receiv
ing the Viaticum with proper DISPOSE
tions. AS soon as there is evidence
of a reasonable danger of death tn,
priest should be sent for at once
The sick person is not always com
petent to pass judgment upon his con
dition. A Catholic doctor or nurse o
friends or relatives are the bes
judges. Extreme Unction must b,
administered by the pastor or one o
the assistant pastors of the parish il
which the sick person lives, excep
III case VI uSCSS0IIJ VI MnSu pei lllS
sion has been granted.
1t frequently happens that, aside
from the supernatural strength i'm
parted to the soul by this Sacrament
the natural results accruing from it!
reception are very great. 1t brings
composure of mind and easiness o
conscience, and a will to accept tn,
inevitable, which are very helpful il
sickness.