THEOLOGY OF PRAYERS IN THE RITE OF VIATICUM IN TODAY’S ROMAN LITURGY
TEOLOGICKÝ OBSAH MODLITEB V OBŘADECH VIATIKA V SOUČASNÉ ŘÍMSKÉ LITURGII

Summary/Abstract: For a Roman Catholic, in addition to the prayers one can say for the sick and dying, the last sacrament is actually the Eucharist (communion) in the form of Viaticum. Among the ancient Greeks, the custom prevailed of giving a supper to those setting out on a journey. This was called hodoiporion. The provision of all things necessary for such a journey, i.e. food, money, clothes, utensils and expense, was called ephodion. The adjectival equivalent in Latin of both these words is viaticus, i.e. “of or pertaining to a road or journey”. All, even children who have reached the age of reason, are bound by Divine precept to receive the Viaticum when they are in danger of death. Formerly, Viaticum was usually administered under the species of bread, because the Blessed Sacrament, which was to be carried to the house of the dying person, was customarily reserved under this form only.

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