Catholic Prayer for the Deceased
Eternal rest, grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May the souls of the faithful departed
through the mercy of God rest in peace.
Amen.
About This Prayer
This is a well known Catholic prayer for the deceased, asking God to grant eternal rest and let perpetual light shine upon those who have died. Its tone is simple, reverent, and comforting, making it one of the most familiar prayers used at Catholic funerals.
It is best suited to Catholic services and can be said at almost any point, including during the main prayers, at the committal, or as a closing blessing. Because it is brief, it is often read by a family member or said together by the congregation, offering mourners a shared moment of faith and peace.
Helpful Information
Looking for a different funeral verse or piece of written content? View more Funeral Poems. Or explore Prayers or Readings & Quotes.
Planning a Funeral
Choosing the right poems, readings or prayers is important for a funeral service. Read our guide to poems, readings and prayers to learn more about finding and selecting written content. Our step-by-step guides cover all aspects of planning a funeral.
Ideas and Inspiration
Want more ideas? Explore our collection of funeral music, funeral ceremony ideas or legacy and memorial ideas.
Provider Directory
Our Provider Directory helps you find caring and compassionate individuals and services throughout the UK, covering all aspects of funeral ceremonies.