(This prayer may be used by families visiting their beloved dead in the cemetery. Anybody can lead this prayer as long as he/she can read and lead well the family.)

(An appropriate song may be sung.)

The prayer begins.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Introduction:

            Brothers and sisters, we gather today as a family to pray for our beloved brothers and sisters (parents/grandparents/relatives) whose bodies (ashes) lie here in rest. They have passed from death to life in company with our Lord Jesus, who died and rose to new life, and are purified now of their sins. We pray that God may welcome them among the saints in heaven that they may become our intercessors and guardians for our family.

SCRIPTURAL READING

A reading from the First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians                                 (15:20-23)

Brothers and Sisters: Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead came also through a man. For just as in Adam all die, so too in Christ shall all be brought to life, but each one in proper order: Christ the firstfruits; then at his coming, those who belong to Christ.

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

(A moment of silence may be observed.)

LITANY 

(OPTION: While the litany is recited, the sprinkling of holy water may be done here – only if holy water is available. If there is no holy water, then, proceed as usual.)

Let us now call on the Holy men and women of God and ask for their intercession that our Loving God may show our beloved dead, mercy and compassion.

Lord, have mercy.                                          Response: Lord, have mercy.              

Christ, have mercy.                                        Response: Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.                                          Response: Lord, have mercy.

Holy Mary, Mother of God*                           *Response: PRAY FOR THEM.

Saint Michael, the Archangel*

Saint Joseph*

Saint John the Baptist*

Saints Peter and Paul*

Saint Andrew*

Saint Stephen*

Saint Anne*

Saint Joachin*

Saint Teresa of Avila*

Saint John of the Cross*

Saint Alphonsus de Liguori*

Saint Lorenzo Ruiz*

Saint Pedro Calungsod*

(Other names of the saints may be added here)

All you holy men and women*

Christ, pardon all their faults***      ***Response: LORD, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

Christ, remember the good they have done***

Christ, receive them into eternal life***

Christ, comfort of all those who mourn***

Lord, have mercy.                                          Response: Lord, have mercy.              

Christ, have mercy.                                        Response: Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.                                          Response: Lord, have mercy.

Filled with confidence in our hearts, let us now call on God our Loving Father through the prayer our Lord Jesus taught us.

OUR FATHER, WHO ART IN HEAVEN, 

HOLLOWED BE THEY NAME. 

THY KINGDOM COME. 

THY WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN.

GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD 

AND FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES, 

AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINTS US; 

AND LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION, 

BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL.

Let us also ask the intercession of Mary, Our Mother of Perpetual Help.

HAIL MARY, FULL OF GRACE,

THE LORD IS WITH YOU, BLESSED ARE YOU AMONG WOMEN,

AND BLESSED IS THE FRUIT OF YOUR WOMB, JESUS.

HOLY MARY, MOTHER OF GOD,

PRAY FOR US SINNERS,

NOW AND AT THE HOUR OF OUR DEATH. AMEN.

LET US PRAY.

All powerful God, whose mercy is never withheld from those who call upon you in hope, look kindly on our beloved dead and your servant/s (names can be mentioned here), who departed from this life confessing your name, and number them among your saints forevermore that they may also intercede for us here on earth and watch over us. 

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Concluding Rite

Eternal rest grant unto (name/s, them), O Lord.

• And let your perpetual light shine upon (him/her/them).

May (he/she/they) rest in peace.

• Amen. 

May the soul of (name/s), and the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace.

• Amen. 

In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

(An appropriate song may be sung.)