Last Rites are end-of-life rituals performed by a religious authority when death is imminent. The Roman Catholic Church administers three distinct rites: Penance, Anointing of the Sick, and Holy Communion. Other Christian denominations offer similar rituals to provide comfort to the dying individual and their loved ones, reminding them of the Christian principle of eternal life.
Last Rites is a term used to refer to end-of-life rituals conducted under the direction of a religious authority when it is clear that an individual is likely to die within a short time. Strictly speaking, Last Rites is more of a popular connotation than an actual doctrinal term. While commonly associated with the Roman Catholic Church, many other Christian denominations also practice a form of these end-of-life rituals. Popular culture tends to identify the Last Rite as a single ritual that is performed while the recipient is on their deathbed. However, the Last Rites administration process is actually more complex and comprehensive.
Indeed, administering last rites in the Roman Catholic tradition involves offering three distinct rites. The first ritual, known as the Penance, allows the individual to have a last confession heard by a priest and be forgiven of sins by Christ through the priest’s ministry. In situations where the individual is unable to attend a final confession, the priest has the power to extend Christ’s healing forgiveness to the individual, allowing the person to die in a spotless state.
The second ritual associated with the Last Rites is known as the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. Known for many centuries as Extreme Unction in the West, this sacrament is intended to provide physical and mental relief to the dying individual. The Anointing is provided by the priest who assists the sick or wounded. Many people consider the Anointing to be the centerpiece of last rites.
Holy Communion is the final ritual offered as part of the Last Rites. In addition to carrying all the meaning normally associated with the offering of Holy Communion during Mass, the sacrament takes on additional meaning when it is offered to someone who is about to pass this life. Sometimes referred to as Viaticum, the sacrament in these circumstances is also intended to help provide for the soul of the deceased as it begins its journey to the next phase of existence. Viaticum can be administered by a deacon or even by a layman if a priest is not available.
Along with the Roman Catholic Church, many other Christian denominations offer rituals that provide the same comfort derived from last rites. In most cases, end-of-life rituals of this type are designed to assure the dying individual that they will soon awaken in a more glorious place and that life will continue beyond the temporal existence found here on earth. From this perspective, the administration of Roman Catholic last rites and similar rituals in other churches can be seen as comforting not only the dying individual but also loved ones. These end-of-life rituals serve to remind all concerned of the central Christian principle of eternal life in the presence of God and continued fellowship with those near and dear.
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