Preparation for Death:
A Catholic Guide

Preparing for the end of earthly life is a deeply spiritual process in Catholic teaching.
It involves turning to God’s infinite mercy, receiving the sacraments, and drawing near to Our Lady and the saints. Whether for yourself or a loved one, this guide will help you understand what the Church offers in this sacred journey and how to embrace these treasures in your preparation.

1. The Divine Mercy Chaplet: Trust in God’s Mercy

One of the most powerful prayers in preparation for death is the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Given to St. Faustina by Jesus, this chaplet is especially potent when prayed for the dying. Jesus promised that those who recite it will receive great mercy at the hour of death.

• How to Pray: Use the standard Rosary beads and follow the prayers, asking for God’s mercy on yourself and the whole world. It is particularly important to pray this chaplet for someone who is near death.

• Promise: Jesus said to St. Faustina, "Even if there were a sinner most hardened, if he were to recite this chaplet only once, he would receive grace from My infinite mercy." (Diary, 687)

Reference: Diary of St. Maria Faustina Kowalska: Divine Mercy in My Soul

2. The Sacraments: Anointing of the Sick, Apostolic Pardon, and Viaticum

The sacraments are the cornerstone of Catholic preparation for death. In the last stages of life, three sacraments are vital: Anointing of the Sick, Apostolic Pardon, and Viaticum (Holy Communion given to the dying).

• Anointing of the Sick: This sacrament offers spiritual and physical healing, strengthens the soul, and prepares the person for a holy death. It remits sin if the person is unable to confess.

• Apostolic Pardon: Often given alongside Anointing of the Sick, this is a plenary indulgence granted to the dying. It remits all temporal punishment due to sin, meaning that the soul, if free from mortal sin, can go directly to Heaven.

• Viaticum: This is the final Holy Communion given to a dying person. It is the "food for the journey" and provides spiritual strength for the soul’s passage into eternity.

Reference: Pastoral Care of the Sick: Rites of Anointing and Viaticum

3. Devotion to the Sorrowful Mother: The Seven Sorrows Rosary

Devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows is a powerful practice to adopt for preparation for death. Our Lady promises special graces to those who meditate on her seven sorrows, and it is a way to stay close to her during the trials of life and death.

• The Seven Sorrows Rosary: This meditation on the seven sorrows of Mary involves prayers and reflections on the great suffering Mary endured during Jesus’ life and Passion. By contemplating these sorrows daily, you deepen your connection to Mary and receive her maternal aid at the hour of death.

• Promise: Our Lady revealed to St. Bridget of Sweden that those who meditate on her sorrows will receive special protection in life and at the hour of death.

Reference: The Glories of Mary by St. Alphonsus Liguori

4. The First Saturday Devotion and the Sabatine Privilege

In her apparitions at Fatima, Our Lady emphasized the First Saturday devotion, and the Sabatine Privilege is closely tied to devotion to the Brown Scapular.

• First Saturday Devotion: This devotion involves going to Confession, receiving Holy Communion, praying the Rosary, and meditating for 15 minutes on the mysteries of the Rosary. It is offered in reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and prepares the soul for death by fostering a deeper devotion to Our Lady.

• Sabatine Privilege: This is a promise associated with wearing the Brown Scapular. Our Lady promises that those who die wearing the scapular and fulfill the conditions of the First Saturday devotion will be released from purgatory on the first Saturday after their death.

Reference: Fatima in Lucia’s Own Words by Sr. Lucia

5. The Brown Scapular: A Sign of Salvation

The Brown Scapular is a sacramental associated with the Carmelite order and devotion to Our Lady. It is a powerful sign of protection and salvation. Our Lady promised St. Simon Stock that "those who die wearing this scapular shall not suffer eternal fire."

• Wearing the Scapular: To gain the full spiritual benefits of the Brown Scapular, it is important to be properly enrolled in the scapular by a priest. Wearing it serves as a constant reminder to live a holy life, trust in Our Lady’s intercession, and strive for Heaven.

• Daily Prayers: Wearing the scapular also requires living a life of prayer, particularly daily recitation of the Rosary or other Marian prayers, as a sign of devotion to the Blessed Mother.

Reference: The Scapular of Mount Carmel by the Carmelite Fathers

6. The Cross of Amazing Grace: Most Indulgenced Medal

The Cross of Amazing Grace is the most indulgenced medal ever, offering numerous indulgences to those who wear it and fulfill the associated conditions. This powerful sacramental is especially significant during the last moments of life. It's medals include: The Miraculous Medal (represents the graces promised by Our Lady to those who wear it with faith, particularly the grace of protection and conversion), Saint Benedict Medal (known for its powerful protection against evil, this medal is often used in spiritual warfare and exorcisms), Scapular Medal (a substitute for the Brown Scapular, offering the same promises of salvation and protection from eternal fire for those who die wearing it), and the Pardon Crucifix (grants indulgences, including a plenary indulgence for those who devoutly kiss it, especially in times of suffering or at the hour of death).

• How to Use: Ensure that the dying person is wearing some or all of the medals associated with the Cross of Amazing Grace. The indulgences provide immense spiritual aid, including remission of temporal punishment for sin.

• Indulgences: The Cross of Amazing Grace can help obtain plenary indulgences at the hour of death when accompanied by Confession, Communion, and prayers for the Pope's intentions. Additionally, it carries indulgences for various pious acts like reciting certain prayers.

Reference: The Cross of Amazing Grace

The Importance of These Practices

Preparing for death is not about fear, but about grace. The Church provides powerful sacraments, prayers, and devotions to aid the faithful in the journey from this life to the next. By following these practices, you can embrace the peace of God’s mercy, the protection of Our Lady, and the grace of the sacraments.

The moment of death is sacred, and by preparing in the ways the saints and the Church advise, you can be sure that you will have the spiritual tools to enter eternity with peace and trust in God’s infinite mercy.