Eternal Rest Prayer (Requiem Aeternam): Full Catholic Text
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord — the Requiem aeternam is the Church's daily prayer for the faithful departed, sung at every funeral Mass and whispered at countless gravesides.
Eternal Rest ("Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them") is the classic prayer for the dead — sung at funerals, prayed for souls in purgatory, and included in November All Souls devotions and Rosary for the deceased.
Eternal Rest Prayer (English)
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.
Requiem Aeternam (Latin)
Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat eis. Requiescant in pace. Amen.
Extended Form (Often Used in November)
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.
May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Praying for the dead is an act of charity — the Church on earth continues to love those being purified in purgatory. The Eternal Rest prayer is short enough for daily use and solemn enough for a funeral.
When Catholics Pray Eternal Rest
- At the end of funeral Mass and burial rites.
- During November, the month the Church dedicates to the holy souls.
- After visiting a cemetery or passing a memorial.
- At the conclusion of the Rosary, often after the Hail Holy Queen.