Prayer of Commendation

This morning we were alarmed by the continuous ringing of our doorbell. I went towards our gate to see who it was and saw ate Virgie, our neighbor across our house, crying and asking for assistance. Her brother, kuya Rudy, as we fondly calls him is trapped in the bathroom. Apparently, he was there for a long time and his sisters got worried that he wasn't answering.

With the help of other neighbors, we put him in my revo and rushed him to the hospital. No amount of CPR and other devices were enough to revive him. He was already DOA.

Kuya Rudy is one of the respected elders in our neighborhood. Everyday he would wake up early in the morning to sweep our street. He would also notice every people that pass by and helps visitors locate the house they are looking for and as well as take note of suspicious strangers. During fiestas he would organize the setting up of festive banners and decorations and make sure that the kids will play the "palayok" (hitting a claypot blindfolded with a stick) and other games.

To my children, he is Mang Rudy. He helps watch over my kids when they are playing bikes or running around. Every morning before I bring them to school he is already there, sweeping our street. But this morning we did not see him nor did we notice him there at all. My kids will be shocked when they get home and hear the news.

In the hospital, I was also thinking of what to do for kuya. I rushed to the canteen to buy a bottle of water for ate Virgie who is now also being administered with oxygen and a pill to lower her blood pressure.

I called my wife and told her what was happening. Before we were about to put our phones down, I remember and asked her to get our Handbook of Prayers by Charles Belmonte and James Socias. I asked Suzette to look for the Prayer of Commendation and to dictate it to me to pray over kuya Rudy.

I realized that kuya perhaps was not able to have his last confession or communion. As Catholics we can also give our blessings and pray to our brothers and sisters who are in need. If a priest is not available immediately, we can help pray for an unfortunate brethren specially when he is dying.

Prayer of Commendation
(when the moment of death seems near, the following prayer may be said:)

I commend you, my dear brother/sister, to almighty God,
and entrust you to your Creator.
May you return to him
who formed you from the dust of the earth.
May holy Mary, the angels, and the saints
come to meet you as you go forth from this life.
May Christ who was crucified for you
bring you freedom and peace.
May Christ who died for you
admit you into his garden of paradise.
May Christ who died for you
admit you into his garden of paradise.
May Christ, the true Shepherd,
acknowledge you as one of his flock.
May he forgive all your sins,
and set you among those he has chosen.
May you see your Redeemer face to face,
and enjoy the vision of God for ever.

Amen.

Hail Holy Queen may be said.