I probably contemplate death and eternity more than most people, especially those my age.
I think one reason for this is because of my current state in life.
I think another reason is because of the feast day on which I was born.
Memento Mori is a Latin phrase which means “remember your death”.
It’s widely used by Catholics, especially religious communities.
Some monks greet each other by saying “Frater, memento mori” which means “Brother, remember your death”.
Many Catholics keep a small skull on their desk.
None of this is meant to be morbid.
It’s a reminder that everything on earth is temporary and the purpose of one’s existence is to know, love and serve God and spend eternity with Him.
I pray for the grace of a happy death, especially when I pray the fourth mystery of the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary – the Assumption.
A happy death means that one is spiritually prepared for death, that the soul is in a state of grace and accompanied by Jesus, Mary and Joseph.
I also pray for the grace of final perseverance, especially when I pray the fifth mystery of the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary – the Crucifixion.
Final perseverance is:
Man’s steadfastness in good up to the moment of death. It is the work of actual grace. Although man himself cannot merit the gift of final perseverance, he can, by earnest prayer and faithful co-operation with the manifold graces given him during life, secure from God’s mercy this most important grace on which eternal happiness depends.
(Catholicculture.org)
I wish to receive the last sacraments and the Apostolic Blessing immediately before my death.
I wish to have at least one priest with me while I’m dying.
I also wish to have many sacramentals with/on me to protect me from the demons: brown scapular, Miraculous Medal, crucifix, rosary, holy images, holy water etc.
I wish to be conscious so I can willingly give my soul back to God.
It’s often said that one dies in the same way that they live.
I pray and use sacramentals as much as possible.
I try to love God and do His will in life. I hope and pray that I’ll do this faithfully at death’s hour.
Because I’m consecrated to Our Lady, St. Joseph and other Saints, I’m confident that they’re always with me and they’ll be present at my death to protect my soul.
Our Lady promises that those truly devoted to the Rosary shall not die without the Sacraments of the Church; and those who faithfully recite the Rosary shall find during their life and at the hour of their death the light of God, the fullness of His graces and shall share in the merits of the blessed. These promises give me consolation!
In conclusion, I want to share the last words of some holy people.
May each of us live and die loving the Lord like the saints who’ve gone before us.
Note: I began writing and planning this post earlier this year. Earlier this month, my Mom’s godmother passed away. These events seem providential, rather than coincidental. I offer this post for the repose of the soul of my relative, and all the deceased. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace
“Father, into Thy hands I commit my spirit.” ~ Jesus Christ
“Into Thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.” ~ Blessed Virgin Mary (according to private revelation)
“Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” ~ St. Stephen Protomartyr (died from stoning at age unknown)
“Doxa to theo panton eneken.” (Glory be to God for all things) ~ St. John Chrysostom (died from mistreatment in exile at age 60)
“Jesus!” ~ St. Joan of Arc (died from execution at age 19)
“O God!” ~ St. Ignatius of Loyola (died from an illness at age 64)
“Holy Mary, pray for me, a poor sinner.” ~ St. Bernadette Soubirous (died from an illness at age 35)
“My God, I love you.” ~ St. Thérèse of Lisieux (died from an illness at age 24)
“I am going to the Light, to Love, to Life!” ~ St. Elizabeth of the Trinity (died from an illness at age 26)
“I forgive Alessandro Serenelli and I want him with me in heaven forever.” ~ St. Maria Goretti (died from being attacked by Serenelli at age 11)
“Jesus, I commend my poor soul to You.” ~ St. Gemma Galgani (died from an illness at age 25)
“Jesus, Mary and Joseph; I give you my heart and my soul.” ~ St. Mariam Thresia (died from a leg wound at age 50)
“¡Viva Cristo Rey!” (Long live Christ the King) ~ Bl. Miguel Pro (died from execution at age 36)
“My only desire is to see Mary who saved me and who will save me from the clutches of Satan.” ~ Bl. Bartolo Longo (died at age 85)
“Ave Maria.” (Hail Mary) ~ St. Maximilian Kolbe (died from execution at age 47)
“Yes, I am so happy: Our Lady… Our Lady!” ~ St. Josephine Bakhita (died from an illness around age 78)
“Jesus, I love you.” ~ St. Gianna Molla (died from an infection at age 39)
“I give my soul to Jesus Christ.” ~ Bl. Solanus Casey (died from an illness at age 86)
My posts on the Four Last Things:
One Small Rose 