Eternal Rest is the Church's most familiar prayer for the dead, begging that God grant the departed his rest and the light of his presence forever.
The Prayer
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace.
Amen.
May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God,
rest in peace.
Amen.
When to Pray This Prayer
At funerals and graveside, in November, the month of the Holy Souls, and whenever we remember the dead.
About This Prayer
This ancient prayer accompanies the faithful departed with the Church's hope in the resurrection and the mercy of God.
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Text: traditional Requiem Aeternam. Source: Roman Missal / USCCB.