Litany of the Dying
As death draws near, the dying person may turn to this litany for comfort, mercy, and hope in Jesus Christ. Those closest to the person may also pray it at the bedside, asking God to forgive sin, give peace, and receive the soul into eternal life. The prayer also calls upon the Blessed Virgin Mary, the angels, and the saints to intercede during the final hours.
What is the Litany for the Dying?
The Litany for the Dying is a Catholic prayer made up of short petitions and repeated responses for a person who is approaching death. It calls upon Jesus Christ for mercy, forgiveness, protection, and the grace needed during the final moments of earthly life.
The prayer recalls Christ’s saving work and asks that the dying person be delivered from sin, fear, temptation, and every danger to the soul. It also seeks the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the angels, and the saints, asking them to pray for the person as death draws near.
Litany for the Dying (Full Prayer)
Lord, have mercy on him (her).
Christ, have mercy on him (her).
Lord, have mercy on him (her).
Holy Mary, pray for him (her).
All ye holy Angels and Archangels, pray for him (her).
All ye choirs of the blessed spirits, pray for him (her).
Saint John the Baptist, pray for him (her).
Saint Joseph, pray for him (her).
Saint Peter and Saint Paul, pray for him (her).
Saint Andrew, pray for him (her).
Saint Stephen, pray for him (her).
Saint Mary Magdalene, pray for him (her).
All ye holy Patriarchs and Prophets, pray for him (her).
All ye holy Apostles and Evangelists, pray for him (her).
All ye holy Martyrs, pray for him (her).
All ye holy Bishops and Confessors, pray for him (her).
All ye holy Priests and Levites, pray for him (her).
All ye holy Monks and Hermits, pray for him (her).
All ye holy Virgins and Widows, pray for him (her).
All ye Saints of God, pray for him (her).
Be merciful; spare him (her), O Lord.
Be merciful; deliver him (her), O Lord.
From all evil, deliver him (her), O Lord.
From Thy wrath, deliver him (her), O Lord.
From the snares of the devil, deliver him (her), O Lord.
From everlasting death, deliver him (her), O Lord.
By Thy holy Nativity, deliver him (her), O Lord.
By Thy Cross and Passion, deliver him (her), O Lord.
By Thy Death and Burial, deliver him (her), O Lord.
By Thy glorious Resurrection, deliver him (her), O Lord.
By Thy admirable Ascension, deliver him (her), O Lord.
By the coming of the Holy Ghost the Paraclete, deliver him (her), O Lord.
In the day of judgment, deliver him (her), O Lord.
We sinners: we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst spare him (her), we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst pardon him (her), we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst remit all his (her) debts and sins, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst free him (her) from the power of the evil one, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst set him (her) in peace and light, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst open to him (her) the gate of Paradise, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst number him (her) among Thy elect, we beseech Thee, hear us.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, spare him (her), O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on him (her).
From the gates of hell, Deliver his (her) soul, O Lord.
May he (she) rest in peace. Amen.
Let us pray.
O God, to Whom alone belong the issues of life and death: look mercifully upon the soul of Thy servant N.; wash away his (her) sins, forgive his (her) offenses, relieve his (her) pains, and grant him (her) a place of refreshment, light, and peace. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
How to Pray the Litany for the Dying
The Litany for the Dying may be prayed by the dying person, by those gathered at the bedside, or by someone praying from another place. When several people are present, one person may read each invocation while the others make the response. A person praying alone may read both parts.
The prayer should be said slowly and peacefully. There is no need to rush through the words. The dying person may join in as much as strength allows, but no response is required. When the person can no longer speak, those present may continue praying aloud so the words of faith, mercy, and hope may still be heard.
The person’s name may be included in the prayers where it fits naturally. The litany may be repeated during the final hours, especially when death appears near. It does not replace the Sacraments of Confession, the Anointing of the Sick, or Holy Communion as Viaticum. A priest should be called as soon as possible when a Catholic is seriously ill or approaching death.
Meaning of the Litany for the Dying
The Litany for the Dying expresses the Christian hope that death is not the end, but the passage from earthly life into eternity. Each petition places the dying person before the mercy of Jesus Christ and asks for protection from fear, temptation, and despair. The prayer also reminds those present to trust in Christ’s victory over sin and death.
Opening Pleas for God’s Mercy
The litany begins with the simple pleas, “Lord, have mercy” and “Christ, have mercy.” These words place the dying person before God with humility and trust, asking Him to look upon weakness, sin, fear, and suffering with compassion.
At the hour of death, no one relies on personal merit alone. The soul depends upon the saving mercy of Jesus Christ, who died for sinners and opened the way to eternal life. The repeated plea for mercy sets the course for every prayer that follows.
Invocation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Saints
After pleading for God’s mercy, the litany asks the Blessed Virgin Mary, the angels, and the saints to pray for the dying person. Catholics ask for their intercession as members of the family of God who now live in His presence.
The Blessed Virgin Mary is invoked with special trust because she remained close to Jesus at the foot of the Cross. The angels and saints are also called upon to accompany the dying person with their prayers, asking Christ to grant mercy, peace, and perseverance at the final hour.
Appeals Through the Passion and Death of Jesus Christ
The litany appeals to Jesus Christ through the mysteries of His Passion and Death. It recalls His agony in the garden, His scourging, His crown of thorns, His carrying of the Cross, and His death on Calvary. Each appeal rests on the truth that Christ willingly suffered and died for the salvation of souls.
For the dying person, these petitions are a plea that the merits of Christ’s sacrifice may bring mercy, strength, and peace at the final hour. The prayer turns the heart toward the Cross, where sin was conquered, and the way to eternal life was opened.
Prayers for Protection in the Final Hour
The final hour may bring weakness, fear, confusion, or temptation. The litany asks Jesus Christ to protect the dying person from despair, from the snares of the enemy, and from anything that might disturb trust in God’s mercy.
These petitions place the soul under the care of Christ, who has conquered sin and death. They ask for the grace to remain faithful, peaceful, and confident in God as earthly life draws to its close.
Petitions for Forgiveness, Perseverance, and Peace
The litany asks God to forgive the sins of the dying person and to grant the grace of final perseverance. This means remaining faithful to Christ until the end, even when the body is weak and the mind is troubled.
It also prays for peace: peace of conscience, freedom from fear, and trust in the mercy of God. These petitions help place the final moments of life in the hands of Jesus Christ, with hope in His forgiveness and the promise of eternal life.
Entrusting the Dying Person to God
The litany ends by entrusting the dying person into God’s hands. It asks the Lord to receive the soul with mercy, to complete the work of grace begun in this life, and to lead the person safely through death.
This act of entrustment is one of faith and surrender. Those praying acknowledge that the dying person belongs to God, and they place every fear, sorrow, and hope before Him, trusting in the mercy of Jesus Christ.
Closing Prayer to Litany for the Dying
The closing prayer gathers every petition of the litany into a final act of trust. It asks God to remain near the dying person, to strengthen faith, forgive sin, and grant peace as earthly life comes to an end.
Those praying place the person into the merciful hands of Jesus Christ, trusting that He will not abandon anyone who calls upon Him. The prayer ends with hope that the soul may be received into eternal life and rest in the presence of God.
Why Catholics Pray the Litany for the Dying
Catholics pray the Litany for the Dying because the final hours of life call for faith, mercy, and trust in Jesus Christ. The prayer helps the dying person and those close to them turn toward God, ask for the grace needed at the hour of death, and place every fear and hope into His hands.
The Spiritual Needs of a Person Near Death
A person near death may face fear, weakness, regret, pain, or doubt. The soul needs the grace to trust in God, seek His mercy, resist despair, and remain faithful to Christ until the end.
The Litany for the Dying gives words to these needs. Its petitions ask for forgiveness, strength, peace, and protection, and help the dying person turn toward Jesus Christ with hope in eternal life.
The Sacraments of the Church at the End of Life
The Church offers special sacramental care to Catholics who are seriously ill or nearing death. Confession brings forgiveness of sins, the Anointing of the Sick gives strength and grace in illness, and Holy Communion received as Viaticum prepares the person for the passage from this life to eternal life.
A priest should be called as soon as a person becomes gravely ill, rather than waiting until the final moments. The Litany for the Dying supports this sacramental care through prayer, but it does not replace the Sacraments Christ gave to His Church.
Confession and the Anointing of the Sick
Confession allows a dying Catholic to repent of sin and receive sacramental absolution. Through the ministry of the priest, Christ forgives sins and restores the soul to friendship with God. When the person cannot make a full confession, the priest will provide the help possible given the person’s condition.
The Anointing of the Sick brings strength, peace, courage, and the grace to endure serious illness in union with Christ. It may also bring forgiveness of sins when Confession is not possible. These Sacraments should be requested while the person is still able to receive them, rather than waiting until death is very near.
Viaticum: Holy Communion for the Final Journey
Viaticum is Holy Communion given to a Catholic who is approaching death. The word means “food for the journey,” because the dying person receives Jesus Christ in the Eucharist as strength for the passage from this life to eternal life.
Through Viaticum, the person is united with Christ in His Death and Resurrection and is given the grace to remain close to Him at the final hour. When possible, it should be received while the person is still conscious and able to take part in the prayers and receive the Sacred Host.
The Apostolic Pardon
The Apostolic Pardon is a special blessing that a priest may give to a Catholic who is near death. It grants a plenary indulgence, removing the temporal punishment due to sins that have already been forgiven. It is often given after Confession, the Anointing of the Sick, or Viaticum.
The Apostolic Pardon is not a Sacrament and does not replace Confession or the Anointing of the Sick. It is a final gift of mercy from the Church, helping the dying person prepare to meet God with greater peace and trust in the saving work of Jesus Christ.
Praying for a Holy and Peaceful Death
Catholics pray for a holy and peaceful death because the final moments of life should be faced with faith in Jesus Christ. A holy death does not mean a death without pain or struggle. It means dying in God’s grace, trusting in His mercy, and remaining united with Christ until the end.
The Litany for the Dying asks for this grace by seeking forgiveness, strength, protection, and peace for the dying person. It also helps those close to the person place their sorrow before God and pray with hope in the promise of eternal life.
When to Pray the Litany for the Dying
The Litany of the Dying may be prayed whenever a person is seriously ill, nearing death, or believed to be in the final hours of life. It may be prayed at the bedside, from another place, or repeated as often as needed while those close to the person entrust them to the mercy of Jesus Christ.
At the Bedside of a Dying Person
At the bedside of a dying person, the Litany for the Dying may be prayed slowly and quietly by family members, friends, or caregivers. One person may lead the petitions while the others respond, or a single person may pray the entire litany.
The dying person may join in if able, but no response is required. Even when the person can no longer speak, those present may continue praying aloud, offering calm words of faith and placing the final hours in the mercy of Jesus Christ.
When a Priest Cannot Be Present
When a priest cannot be present, family members, friends, or caregivers may still pray the Litany for the Dying. They can ask Christ for mercy, peace, protection, and the grace of final perseverance while placing the dying person into God’s hands.
The absence of a priest does not prevent those present from praying, but every effort should still be made to contact one when time allows. The litany does not replace Confession, the Anointing of the Sick, Viaticum, or the Apostolic Pardon.
When Praying from a Distance
When someone cannot be present at the bedside, the Litany for the Dying may be prayed from any place. Distance does not prevent a person from asking God to show mercy, grant peace, and strengthen the one who is nearing death.
The dying person may be named during the prayer, and the litany may be offered more than once as the final hours draw near. In this way, those who are far away can remain close through prayer and entrust their loved one to Jesus Christ.
During the Final Hours of Life
During the final hours of life, the Litany for the Dying may be prayed slowly and repeated as needed. Its petitions help keep attention on the mercy of Jesus Christ while asking for forgiveness, protection, perseverance, and peace.
Those present may continue praying even when the dying person can no longer respond. The words of the litany place these final moments before God and entrust the person to His care as death draws near.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Litany for the Dying?
The Litany for the Dying is a Catholic prayer offered for a person who is nearing death. Through a series of petitions, it asks Jesus Christ for mercy, forgiveness, protection, perseverance, and peace while also seeking the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the angels, and the saints.
Who may pray the Litany for the Dying?
Any Catholic may pray the Litany for the Dying, including the dying person, family members, friends, caregivers, or others praying from a distance. A priest is not required to lead the litany, though he should be called when possible so the dying person may receive the Sacraments of the Church.
Does a priest need to lead the litany?
No. A priest does not need to lead the Litany for the Dying. The dying person, family members, friends, caregivers, or anyone praying from a distance may pray it. When possible, a priest should still be called so the dying person may receive Confession, the Anointing of the Sick, Viaticum, and the Apostolic Pardon.
Can the litany be prayed when the dying person is unconscious?
Yes. The Litany for the Dying may be prayed when the person is unconscious or unable to respond. Those present may pray it aloud, asking Jesus Christ for mercy, peace, protection, and the grace needed at the hour of death.
Can the Litany for the Dying replace the Anointing of the Sick?
No. The Litany for the Dying does not replace the Anointing of the Sick. The litany is a prayer that anyone may offer, while the Anointing of the Sick is a Sacrament given by a priest. When possible, a priest should be called so the dying person may receive the Sacraments of the Church.
What other prayers may be offered for a dying person?
Other prayers for a dying person may include the Rosary, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, the Act of Contrition, Psalm 50, prayers to Saint Joseph, and the Church’s prayers for the commendation of the dying. Family members and friends may also offer simple prayers asking Jesus Christ for mercy, forgiveness, peace, and the grace of a holy death.
Is the Litany for the Dying an official liturgical prayer?
The Litany for the Dying is best described as a traditional Catholic devotional prayer rather than a separate official liturgical rite of the Church. The Church’s approved rites for those near death include the prayers for the Commendation of the Dying found in Pastoral Care of the Sick. The litany may be prayed alongside these rites, but it does not replace them or the Sacraments.
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Charles Rogers is a resident of South Carolina and a retired computer programmer by trade. Raised in various Christian denominations, he came to faith in Jesus Christ early in life. In 2012, he began experiencing authentic spiritual encounters with the Blessed Virgin Mary, which led him on a seven-year journey at her hands, that included alcohol addiction, a widow maker heart attack and death and conversion to the Catholic Faith. He is the exclusive author and owner of Two Percent Survival, a website dedicated to and created in honor of the Holy Mother. Feel free to email Charles at twopercentsurvival@gmail.com.
May Our Lady of the Rosary lead you deeper into the grace you have been given. Pray always, and trust the mercy of God while the door remains open.
— Two Percent Survival