“Unless, that is, “they gave some sign of repentance before death.” And there is at least some evidence that Ted Kennedy did just that.”
Where is this evidence?
“Unless, that is, “they gave some sign of repentance before death.” And there is at least some evidence that Ted Kennedy did just that.” Where is this evidence?
BOSTON -- Sen. Edward M. Kennedy died in peace with his whole family praying around him, the clan's priest said Wednesday morning as the world mourned Massachusetts' senior senator, who died from brain cancer at the age of 77. "It was a total surprise to me to see another world he was involved in -- the spiritual world," said Rev. Patrick Tarrant of Our Lady of Victory Church.
Tarrant, who was called to Kennedy's bedside late Tuesday as the senator was dying, said it was clear that Kennedy was ready for the journey that awaited him. He described the senator as "a man of quiet prayer" in his last hours.
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When a priest is called to the death bed of an individual, it is to administer the Sacrament of Healing, formerly known as the Last Rites.
- The rite begins with a confession or an act of contrition.
- The dying person then repeats their baptismal promises or says the Apostles Creed.
- The priest or eucharistic minister recites the Our Father prayer.
- When the dying person is ready, communion is administered. (Remember that even a very small particle of a host is sufficient.) The priest says: "This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Happy are those who are called to his supper."
The sick person responds: "Lord I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed."
The priest says: "The Body of Christ."
The sick person responds: "Amen."
- After the sick person receives communion, the priest says: "May the Lord Jesus protect you and lead you to eternal life."
- The rite concludes with prayer and blessing. A complete rundown of the prayers and blessings said during the Last Rites can be found in the Catholic Encyclopedia entry on the Viaticum.