and detesting of them, public declaration of [one’s] faith, protesting against the plotting of the Devil, the handing over of his soul to the hands of God and his confessor, devoted reception of the Holy Eucharist and of Extreme Unction, the invoking of heavenly aid, and absolute hope and confidence in the merits of our Savior. 6. The Church’s customary prayers at the side of the dying39 are to be said devotedly. Their soul should be fervently entrusted to God. The body of the deceased should be fittingly washed, and piously laid to rest within three days. As quickly as possible, the news of the death should be spread amongst the other houses, so that the deceased [member] may be helped — with the sacrifice of Masses and with prayers and mortifications — by everyone. Together, all of you may bless the merciful God of Heaven, who, though unworthy, you serve on earth.40 39 Literally, “the agonizing [one].” 40 Other editions close with the inscription “God’s Honor and Glory alone.” The Rule of Life 303
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjI2Mw==