Sunday, October 24, 2021

All Saints and All Souls. It is a time of year, both in nature and liturgically, where our thoughts are naturally directed to Last Things. It seems appropriate to reflect on the inevitable fact of death. What is the Sacrament for the dying? When I was a youngster, back in the dark ages before the internet and cell phones, at Our Lady of Sorrows grade school, the good Sisters taught me that the sacrament for the dying was “Extreme Unction." Or the “last anointing.” Some people still think that.

However, that has changed. At the time of the Second Vatican Council historical study into the Sacraments led the Council Fathers to understand that the anointing was not really for the dying, but for the sick. Hence the name of the sacrament changed to “Anointing of the Sick,” and it really is for people who are sick, including physical, mental and emotional sickness.

All of us, in one way are another, are in the process of dying, but the Sacrament is for people who we hope and anticipate will get well as well as for those approaching the end of their life.

So what do we do for the dying? The Sacrament for the dying is technically called “Viaticum”. It comes from the Latin for “food for the road.” Like First Holy Communion, this is sort of “Last Holy Communion.” It involves certain prayers, Apostolic Pardon, a renewal of Baptismal Promises, and Holy Communion. It is a beautiful service.

Unfortunately, it is seldom celebrated. By the time family or friends call the priest the dying person is unconscious, hooked up to many tubes and hoses, and completely unable to celebrate this Sacrament. In that case we then celebrate the Anointing of the Sick and pray certain Prayers for the Dying.

So if you know of someone who is terminally or seriously ill, suggest to them BEFORE they become unconscious and unable to participate in the ceremony, that they celebrate Viaticum. Or if you realize that your death is not far away, and would like to be as spiritually well prepared as can be, ask for Viaticum. We can, of course, also celebrate the Sacrament of the Sick for those who are dying, as well as pray the prayers for the dying.

We may not like to think about the fact we are all heading to death, but it is real. The Church gives us aids and supports in accomplishing a good death. It is one of the most significant events in our life story. I encourage you not to be afraid and to use the helps and aids the Church gives us.

God bless,