Monday Musings - Dying In Peace
On Ash Wednesday we are asked to remember that "we are dust and until dust we shall return."
Let us never forget the horror of so many souls who died during the worse of the COVID restrictions without the benefit of the Last Rites and without their loving family at their bedsides.
We must also remember that so many in our own families know not what to do spiritually as a loved one approaches the end of life.
It is for all these reasons, that a Lay Dominican I know asked to share some basic directions that anyone can easily follow as death approaches a loved one. That they be prepared spiritually to help is even more crucial given the fewer number of priests available to be present at death beds.
This post and the following directive were prompted in large measure after their authors read The Art of Dying (Ars Moriendi), an “immensely popular and influential text of the Middle Ages,” translated with Introduction and Notes by Br. Columba Thomas, O.P., M.D. and a Forward by Mother Agnes Mary Donovan, SV. - a book both highly recommend:
Dying In Peace
To my beloved wife and family:
I love each of year dearly. Each
of you have been the treasures of my earthly
life. Thank you for the blessing each of you have been to me. It was my privilege
to be your husband, Father and Pop Pop. I tried my best – that is all one can
do. I thank God that He gave each of you to me. I am sorry that I failed you in
so many ways but mostly by my poor example. I know there were too many times
where my actions, inaction and words were not consistent with what I professed
to believe. Forgive me for failing to fully form you in your Catholic Faith –
the most important task God gives a soul.
Please demonstrate your love for
me and your forgiveness for all the ways I may have failed each of you, by being sure you honor these wishes and
make sure my spiritual (not physical) well-being is priority number one.
Call
the priest for Last Sacraments as soon as it appears I am in serious illness.
He is more important that a doctor.
Do
everything you can to see that I receive the Last Sacraments. Be sure you ask
the priest to extend an Apostolic Pardon to me. If no priest is available
or you expect a long-delay before one can come, place a crucifix in my hand and
you recite aloud in my presence the Apostolic Pardon prayer (see attached).
Our lives here on earth are
intended to be a temporary journey towards the eternal life God offers each of
us - an undeserved gift which we are free to accept or reject. Suffering is a
part of physical death and preparation for eternal life. Any suffering God
sends at my last days is for my eternal benefit. I accept that suffering. It is
better to suffer for a short time here on this earth than for an extended
time in Purgatory. Accept and respect my belief in that Truth.
Recite aloud in my presence, the Nicene Creed, especially if I am in pain.
Recite aloud in my presence, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy as many times as you can.
Recite
the Rosary aloud in my presence frequently.
Upon my
death, arrange for a Gregorian Series of Masses for the repose of my soul.
Several
times a year have a Mass offered for the repose of my soul.
Please do as I ask. I am totally dependent on your praying for God’s mercy on my soul.
Finally, please accept God’s ever-present invitation to return to and authentically live out your Catholic Faith. He awaits each of you with open arms. This loving send-off must be followed at the time of your mother’s passing as well.
I will dearly miss you all. I love each of you so very much.
Though none of us are worthy, may we be blessed to share eternity together in the Presence of Almighty God.
For the Glory of God and the salvation of souls!
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