The Eucharist, which when administered to the dying person is known as "Viaticum". This may be given along with or without anointing of the sick. The celebration of the Eucharist as Viaticum is the sacrament proper to the dying Christian. It provides a spiritual inner strength to dying person. In other words we can consider Viaticum as the last Sacrament of the Christian life.
Viaticum (Communion before death) is a term used especially in the Catholic Church for the Holy Eucharist (Holy Communion) administered, with or without anointing of the sick (Seventh Sacrament) , to a person who is dying, and is thus a part of the last rites.
last rites include anointing, Confession and Holy communion. If a priest is available, he would hear the person's confession, give the sacrament of the sick, and give communion. Only a priest can hear a confession or give the sacrament of the sick. However, a deacon, or a lay person, who is designated a Eucharistic Minister by his/her pastor in accordance with the regulations of the local bishop can give communion to the dying. When a Eucharistic Minister becomes aware that someone is dying, and no priest is available he or she should go to the Church and obtain a consecrated host and take it to the sick person.
Christ's faithful who are in danger of death, from whatever cause, are to be strengthened by holy communion as Viaticum. Even if they have already received holy communion that same day, it is nevertheless strongly suggested that in danger of death they should communicate again. Holy Viaticum for the sick is not to be unduly delayed. Those who have the care of souls are to take assiduous care that the sick are strengthened by it while they are in full possession of their faculties. Code of Canon Law 921, 922
**There are seven Sacraments in Catholic Church. They are Baptism , Affirmation, Holy Communion ( Holy Eucharist ), Penance and Reconciliation (Confession), Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders and Matrimony.
last rites include anointing, Confession and Holy communion. If a priest is available, he would hear the person's confession, give the sacrament of the sick, and give communion. Only a priest can hear a confession or give the sacrament of the sick. However, a deacon, or a lay person, who is designated a Eucharistic Minister by his/her pastor in accordance with the regulations of the local bishop can give communion to the dying. When a Eucharistic Minister becomes aware that someone is dying, and no priest is available he or she should go to the Church and obtain a consecrated host and take it to the sick person.
Christ's faithful who are in danger of death, from whatever cause, are to be strengthened by holy communion as Viaticum. Even if they have already received holy communion that same day, it is nevertheless strongly suggested that in danger of death they should communicate again. Holy Viaticum for the sick is not to be unduly delayed. Those who have the care of souls are to take assiduous care that the sick are strengthened by it while they are in full possession of their faculties. Code of Canon Law 921, 922
**There are seven Sacraments in Catholic Church. They are Baptism , Affirmation, Holy Communion ( Holy Eucharist ), Penance and Reconciliation (Confession), Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders and Matrimony.
We hope this post was useful for you, please visit MERCY HEALS regularly for more interesting posts. You may also subscribe to our latest posts via email. Click for Email Subscription to receive updates in your email Inbox as soon as they are posted online.
Like & Share!
Daily Prayers
Search this blog for more interesting posts.
