The Rule of Life

35 give the sick not only the bodily medicine they need at the right time, but especially to give them the remedies or eternal life. These are: earnest confession of sins, and detesting of them public declaration of [one’s] faith, protesting against the plot- tings 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 the Last Rites,” 40 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 dying 41 are to be said devotedly. Their soul should be fervent- ly entrusted to God. The body of the deceased should be fit- tingly 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. 42 40 Literally, “extreme unction.” 41 Literally, “the agonizing [one].” 42 Other editions close with the inscription “God’s Honor and Glory alone.”