Rites for the Veneration of the Dead

(Xavier School)

Note: The following rites are suggested for student and alumni representatives of Xavier School
who may wish to incorporate the Chinese tradition into their veneration of the dead at wakes.
Ideally, it is done by two representatives (one to explain, the other to perform the rites).  More
can participate, and revisions may be made as needed and as desired.  This is posted here to
serve as a sample.

The rites have four short parts:

1.     Promise of Prayers
2.     Offering of Incense
3.     Offering of Flowers and Fruits (optional)
4.     Prayers and Ritual Bows

PROMISE OF PRAYERS

In the name of Xavier School, our classmates, teachers, and the Jesuit fathers, we are here to
extend our condolences and to pay our respects to (name of the deceased), (relationship).
The Xavier Mass Card, preferably out of the envelope, is handed to a member of the family.

We offer our prayers for the repose of his/her soul.  May the Lord Jesus open His arms to
welcome him/her into His embrace.

(If the deceased is a Xaverian)  Now united to Him, Who is the Light of the World, more than
ever (name of deceased Xaverian) can let his light shine.

OFFERING OF INCENSE

Two incense sticks per representative are lighted.  If too many, one per person.

We invite you to join us in silent and prayerful attention as we offer incense to honor the
memory of _____.

The school representatives take their places before the portrait of the deceased and offer a
silent prayer with their incense sticks, bowing only once.

Let the rising trails of fragrant smoke from the incense sticks represent our prayers and our love
and affection for him/her.

The incense sticks are collected and placed in the burner.

OFFERING OF FLOWERS and FRUITS

These offerings are optional and are possible only when an altar for the deceased has been set
up at the wake.  The small baskets of flowers and fruits must be brought to the wake by the
group.

(Name of person), the (official designation if any, or relationship to the deceased or to the
bereaved), will now offer flowers.  (E.g., “Carlos Go, the friend of the son, Jimmy)…”

The offerer takes the flowers from the altar, who makes one bow while holding the flowers.
These are then returned to the altar. The same movement is followed for the fruits and the wine.

(Name of person), the (official designation if any, or relationship to the deceased or to the
bereaved), will now offer fruits.

PRAYERS AND RITUAL BOWS

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, our brother/sister (name of the deceased) now joins the
communion of saints and all the departed who pray for us as we pray for them.   Let us now ask
our heavenly Father to bless them in Paradise. Let us pray Our Father in heaven….

Death may feel like a separation, but in truth, as long as we have love in our hearts, we remain
united to those who have passed on to the next life and who are now united totally to God. Let
us ask for the intercession of our Blessed Mother, the Virgin Mary, that our love for our
brother/sister (name of the deceased) may remain strong so that we will continue to be united
with him/her. Hail Mary full of grace…

Finally, let us pray one Glory Be for all our dearly departed, that they may join the saints in the
heavenly kingdom, and forever sing the praises of the Holy Trinity.  Glory be to the Father…

In the tradition of our ancestors, we now offer three profound bows as a sign of respect and
gratitude for (name of deceased). At the sound of the gong, please make a deep and reverential
bow.

(To cue the bowing, a gong may be sounded three times, with a brief pause in between.  After
the third bow, the representatives return to their places.)

The rite is completed.  Let us continue to pray for the repose of the soul of (name of the
deceased) and the consolation of his/her family.