Viaticum

Viaticum is the Eucharist received by a dying person — the spiritual food for the soul's "passing over" from this life to eternal life with the Father. Together with Penance and Anointing of the Sick, Viaticum constitutes the "last sacraments" of the Christian (CCC 1524).

What the Name Means

The word viaticum comes from the Latin via — road or way. Viaticum is provision for the journey: as ancient travelers carried food for the road, the dying receive the Body of Christ as food for their final journey to the Father. The Eucharist thus becomes the pledge of resurrection — "I am the resurrection and the life" (John 11:25; CCC 1524).

The Right to Viaticum

The Church considers Viaticum so important that any dying Catholic — regardless of circumstances — has the right to receive it. Priests are obliged to bring Viaticum to the dying, and canon law places this among the highest pastoral duties. Even someone who has recently received Communion may receive Viaticum again for the sake of the journey (CCC 1525).

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the "last rites"? "Last rites" is a popular term for the three sacraments given at death: the Sacrament of Penance (for the forgiveness of sins), the Anointing of the Sick (for strength and healing), and Viaticum (the final Eucharist). Together they prepare the soul for its passage to God (CCC 1524–1525).

Can someone receive Viaticum if they are unconscious? If a person is unconscious but showed desire for the sacraments while conscious, the priest may anoint them and, if they can swallow safely, give them Viaticum. Intention expressed earlier is sufficient (CCC 1515).