Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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LAST BLESSING

After the administration of the sacrament of anointing, the apostolic blessing that gives a plenary indulgence to the dying person. The priest says, "By the power of the Apostolic See has given me, I grant you a plenary indulgence and pardon for all your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." To which the person, or the bystanders respond, "Amen." The indulgence is gained, not when the prayer is recited, but at the moment of death, i.e., in articulo mortis.