Facing Mortality with the Sacraments
In our second episode of our new podcast, Father Sean Raftis explains the importance of facing our mortality with the Sacrament of Viaticum (Eucharist), the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick. Then, we share a reflection on the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, which falls on June 29th.
Notes
- Viaticum is a term used in the Catholic Church to describe the Eucharist (Communion) administered to a person who is dying, or who is near death. The term "viaticum" is a Latin word that means "provision for a journey," signifying the spiritual food for the journey from this life to the afterlife.
- Viaticum represents the dying person's final opportunity to commune with Christ in the Eucharist this life before meeting him in the next. It symbolizes the unity of the body of Christ and the hope for eternal life.
- The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul is a feast day in the liturgical calendar of the Roman Catholic Church, celebrating the martyrdom in Rome of the apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Falling on June 29th, the feast has ancient roots, and is a day of both celebration and reflection for the faithful.
- Saint Peter, originally named Simon, he was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. Tradition states he was crucified upside down in Rome during Emperor Nero's reign. He is symbolically associated with the keys of the kingdom of Heaven, reflecting his authority in the early church.
- Saint Paul, originally Saul of Tarsus, he was a zealous persecutor of the early Christian Church before his conversion. After his conversion, he became one of the most influential preachers of the Gospel.