I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one, I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done. I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways, of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days. I’d like the tears, of those who grieve, to dry before the sun of happy memories that I leave when life is done.

God on his throne in heaven looked around at his flowers so fair, and then sought a blossom on earth to add to those He had there. To be part of such heavenly company the bloom must be pure and sweet, and the little bud that was chosen was the child who had played at our feet. Sorrow is great at the loss of our child at the parting with one we love, but the parting was made that our child might go to brighten the heavens above.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Fill not your hearts with pain and sorrow, but remember me in every tomorrow. Remember the joy, the laughter, the smiles, I’ve only gone to rest a little while. Although my leaving causes you pain and grief, my going has eased my hurt and given me relief. So dry your eyes and remember me, not as I am now, but as I used to be. Because, I will remember you all and look on with a smile. Understand, in your hearts, I’ve only gone to rest a little while. As long as I have the love of each of you, I can live my life in the hearts of all of you.

Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond’s glint of snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the autumn’s gentle rain. When you waken in the morning’s hush, I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there I did not die.

Father we entrust our brother to your mercy. You loved him greatly in this life. Now that he is freed from all its cares, give him happiness and peace forever. Welcome him now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus Your Son, and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever.

Father we entrust our sister to your mercy. You loved her greatly in this life. Now that she is freed from all its cares, give her happiness and peace forever. Welcome her now into paradise
where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus Your Son, and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever.

Fill not your hearts with pain and sorrow, but remember me in every tomorrow. Remember the joy, the laughter, the smiles, I’ve only gone to rest a little while. Although my leaving causes you pain and grief, my going has eased my hurt and given me relief. So dry your eyes and remember me, not as I am now, but as I used to be. Because, I will remember you all and look on with a smile. Understand, in your hearts, I’ve only gone to rest a little while. As long as I have the love of each of you, I can live my life in the hearts of all of you.

No eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived, what God has prepared for those who love Him. I Corinthians 2:9

God saw you were getting tired, and a cure was not to be, so He put His arms around you and whispered, “Come to Me.” With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hardworking hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.

God looked around His garden and found an empty place. He then looked down upon the earth and saw your tired face. He put His arms around you and lifted you to rest. God’s garden must be beautiful He always takes the best. He knows that you were suffering. He knew you were in pain. He knew that you would never get well on earth again. He saw the road was getting rough, and the hills were hard to climb. So he closed your weary eyelids, and whispered “Peace be Thine.” It broke our hearts to lose you but you didn’t go alone, for part of us went with you the day God called you home.

The sun has gone down from the sky and peace of night is drawing nigh. I pray, Dear God, my soul You’ll keep while in Your loving arms I sleep. Forgive the things I did today when from Your glorious path I’d stray. And as I slumber through the night please take my hand and hold it tight. And when I awake to a bright new morn, restored, refreshed, renewed, reborn, I’ll try again, Dear God to be the person You would hope of me.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with Thee: blessed art Thou among women and blessed is the fruit of Thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of our death.
Amen

Don’t grieve for me now, I’m free. I’m following the path God laid for me. I took His hand when I heard Him call. I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day to laugh, to love, to work or play. Tasks left undone must stay that way. I found that peace at close of day. If my parting has left a void then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, ah yes, these things I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow. I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life’s been full, I’ve savored much; good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch. Perhaps my time seemed all to brief, don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts and share with me, for God wanted me now. He set me free.

May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rains fall soft upon your fields, And until we meet again May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen

Loving Father, God of all consolation, in fulfillment of your will Jesus conquered death and rose again, that we might be saved, pass through death, and reach new life. Hear our prayers for our beloved dead whom you have summoned to yourself. They have died believing in Jesus, and are buried with him in the hope of rising again. We thank you for the fatherly care you showed them in this life. We ask you to forgive their sins, that on the day of judgement they may rise with all the saints to eternal life and rest in your kingdom.

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to Thy protection, implored Thy help, and sought Thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto Thee. O Virgin of virgins, my Mother! To Thee do I come, before Thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. Oh Mother of the Word incarnate despise not my petitions, but in Thy mercy, hear and answer me. Amen

O gentlest heart of Jesus, ever present in the Blessed Sacrament, ever consumed with burning love for the poor captive souls, have mercy on the soul of Thy departed servant. Be not severe in Thy judgment but let some drops of Thy Precious Blood fall upon the devouring flames, and do Thou O Merciful Savior, send Thy Angels to conduct Thy departed servant to a place of refreshment, light and peace. Merciful Jesus grant eternal rest. Amen.

Perhaps you sent a lovely card or sat quietly in a chair. Perhaps you sent a funeral spray, If so, we saw it there. Perhaps you spoke the kindest words, as any friend could say. Perhaps you were not there at all, just thought of us that day. Whatever you did to console our hearts, we thank you so much whatever the part.

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him I will trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: this truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

I am in Heaven, dear ones; oh, so happy and so bright! There is perfect joy and beauty in His everlasting light. All the pain and grief is over, every restless tossing passed; I am now at peace forever; safely home in Heaven at last. Did you wonder I so calmly trod the valley of the shade? Oh! but Jesus’ love illumined every dark and fearful glade. And He came Himself to meet me in that way so hard to tread; And with Jesus’ arm to lean on, could I have one doubt or dread? Then you must not grieve so sorely, for I love you dearly still: Try to look beyond earth’s shadows, pray to trust our Father’s Will. There is work still waiting for you, so you must not idly stand; do it now, while life remaineth – you shall rest in Jesus’ land. When that work is all completed, He will gently call you home; Oh, the rapture of that meeting, Oh, the joy to see you come!

Jehová es mi pastor; nada me faltará En lugares de delicados pastos me hará descansar; Juanto a aguas de reposo me pastoreará. Comfortará mi alma; Me guiará por sendas de justicia pro amor de su nombre. Aunque ande en el valle de sombra de muerta. No temerá mal alguno porque tú estáras commigo; Tu vara y tu cayado me infundirán aliento. El Senor es mi pastor, noda me. Aderezas una mesa delante de mi en presencia de mis angustiadores; Unges mi cabeza con aceite; mi copa está rebosando. Ciertamente el bien y la misericordia me sequirán todos los dias de mi vida. Y en las casa del Jehová moraré por largos dias.

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change. The courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

Oh Piadoso Corazón de Jesús, siempre presente en el Sagrado Sacramento, siempre lleno de amor ardiente hacia las pobres almas cautivas en el Purgatorio, ten piedad de la alma de tu siervo, que ha fallecido. No seas muy severo al juzgarle, más deja que algunas gotas de tu Preciosa Sangre caigan sobre las llamas devoradoras y envia tus Angeles, Oh Salvador Misericordioso, para que lo conduzcan a un lugar de descanso y paz eterna. Amén.

We have loved them during life, let us not abandon them until we have conducted them by our prayers into the house of the Lord. -St. Ambrose

O Holy St. Anthony, gentlest of Saints, your love for God and Charity for His creatures, made you worthy, when on earth, to possess
miraculous powers. Miracles waited on your word, which you were ever ready to speak for those in trouble or anxiety. Encouraged by this thought, I implore of you to obtain for me (request). The answer to my prayer may require a miracle, even so, you are the saint of Miracles. O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the Sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms; and the gratitude of my heart will be ever yours.

Lord make me an instrument of Thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light. Where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master; grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand: to be loved as to love; for it is in giving that we receive, and it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

O Lord Jesus, who didst inspire St. Gabriel to meditate continually upon Thy Sufferings and the Sorrows of Mary, and through Her didst raise him to the heights of sanctity, grant, through his intercession and example that by meditating on the Sorrows of Mary and safeguarded by Her patronage, we may one day enter into etrnal life. Amen.

Oh St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you all my interest and desires. Oh St. Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession, and obtain for me all spiritual blessings, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Oh, St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating you, and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me and ask Him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, patron of departing souls, pray for us.

St. Jude, glorious Apostle, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the name of the traitor has caused you to be forgotten by many, but the true Church invokes you universally as the Patron of things despaired of. Pray for me, who am so miserable. Pray for me, that finally I may receive the consolations and the succor of Heaven in all my necessities, tribulations and sufferings, particularly (make your request here) and that I may bless God with thee throughout eternity. Amen

Oh Saint Padre Pio, witness of faith and love. We praise your life as a Capuchin friar, as a priest and as a loyal witness of Christ. Your life was marked by suffering, and we call you “A crucified without a Cross”. Love moved you to care for the sick, to attract the sinners and to deeply live the mystery of Eucharist and forgiveness. You powerfully interceded with God throughout your life, and continue to do so from the heavens, by doing good and interceding for us. We wish to rely on your help. Pray for us. We are asking this from you for Jesus Christ, our Lord.

O great Apostle of Ireland, glorious St. Patrick to whom under God, so many are indebted for the most precious of all treasures, the great gift of Faith. Receive our fervent thanks for the zeal and charity which have been to thousands the source of blessings so invaluable. Ask for all who dwell in this land and the land of thy labors, the precious light of faith, and beg for us on whom its glorious rays have long since beamed, the grace to regulate our lives by its sacred maxims.

O Lord, who hast said: “Unless you become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Grant us, we beseech Thee, so to walk in the footsteps of Thy blessed Virgin Theresa with a humble and single heart, that we may attain to everlasting rewards: who livest and reignest world without end. Amen

“The time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing. ” -2 Timothy 4:6-8

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name ’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

God hath not promised skies always blue, flower-strewn pathways all our lives through; God hath not promised sun without rain, joy without sorrow, peace without pain. But God hath promised strength for the day, rest for the labor, light for the way, grace for the trials, help from above, unfailing sympathy undying love.

“Think of stepping on shore and finding it Heaven, of taking hold of a hand and finding it Christ’s hand, of breathing new air and finding it celestial air, of feeling invigorated and finding it immortality, of passing from storm and tempest to perfect calm, of waking up and finding it Home.” – The Gospel Call

When I must leave you for a little while — please do not grieve and shed wild tears and hug your sorrow to you through the years, but start out bravely with a gallant smile, and for my sake, and in my name live on and do all things the same. Feed not your loneliness on empty days, but fill each waking hour in useful ways, reach out your hand in comfort and in cheer and I, in turn, will comfort you and hold you near. And never, never be afraid to die, for I am waiting for you in the sky.