The Last Rite _BEST_

Joe Maggio is a sure-handed director with a good eye. I didn't see his straight-to-DVD horror film "Bitter Feast" (2010), but it got respectful reviews. Here he must have starting writing with two elements in his mind: The winter streets of Chicago, and Dennis Farina, who has been so good for so long in supporting roles. "Joe May" evokes winters in Chicago neighborhoods far from the skyscrapers. The days grow short. Men with their fists punched into their pockets wish they had gloves. Some of them keep their coats on inside the bar. And Joe May, making the rounds of what's left of his life, gathers his will to make a last stand.

The Last Rite

The concept of being partly awake in a sleeping body, unable to move, and witnessing shadowy, ominous figures lurking about in your familiar, darkened bedroom is simply terrifying. The horror movie attempts to fold this nocturnal nightmare with The Exorcist, throwing in hints of other genre films for good measure. But despite what its poster and trailer would have you believe, The Last Rite is more drama than horror. Yes, there are supernatural elements throughout, but the motion picture is more intent on spending time with its lead grappling with her condition than plastering the screen with pea soup.

Released this last week on the major streaming service, Netflix, the film The Last Rite (2021) is disappointing when it comes to points in originality, however, it does provide an intense and thrilling experience when watching for new horror fans. For less advanced horror film audiences, The Last Rite is a perfect introduction into supernatural horror and possessions, while for more experienced audiences the film may be lacking depth and uniqueness. Unfortunately, while some supernatural horror films have original plot lines, many, including The Last Rite follow almost the exact plotline of previous horror films such as The Exorcist (1973). The film does not necessarily do anything wrong in terms of casting and story lines, however, it tends to be rather unoriginal throughout the majority of the film, leaving it predictable and less thrilling.

Last Rites are the sacraments received when a person is nearing death. When a person is in danger of death a priest may be called in order that dying persons might receive the last rites, which include Confession, Anointing of the Sick (formerly extreme unction) and final reception of holy Communion (Viaticum). These sacraments provide the forgiveness of sins, help the individual to prepare for death, and bring peace and courage to the sick person as the Holy Spirit guides them on their final steps to eternal life.

As stated above the last rites are not a sacrament, but a group of sacraments offered at or near the hour of death. The sacrament of anointing is actually not always administered within the context of the last rites, which makes it all the more intriguing that the two are often confused. Anointing is offered to persons who through sickness or old age, and the complications thereof, are nearing death. However, it is also offered to persons who are struggling with illness but not in danger of death, provided the nature of the illness is sufficiently serious. Anointing of the sick is a sacrament that must be administered by a priest or bishop, and there are no extraordinary ministers for this sacrament like there are for baptism and Communion.

So we know that there are three common sacraments offered in the last rites, but the one that is most proper to the dying (for those who are still able to ingest food) is Viaticum or the final reception of holy Communion. For some who may still be journeying toward the Church near the hour of their death the last rites may also include baptism and confirmation. The proper order to administer the sacraments near the hour of death would be confession first, then the anointing of the sick and finally the reception of the Eucharist. It is a very beautiful thing that the last act of our loved ones as they pass from this world would be to receive the Body and Blood of our Lord. Another reason for this order would be that if miraculous healing of the sick person were to occur through the sacrament of the anointing of the sick there would be no need to receive Viaticum. If the individual has not been baptized yet it would be proper to be baptized first and then receive the sacrament of confirmation before receiving the rest of the sacraments proper to the last rites.

Rev. Mark J. Gantley explains the Apostolic Blessing, "The Apostolic Pardon (or blessing) is an indulgence given in situations of danger of death, usually after the absolution of the sacrament of penance. The focus is on the remission of temporal punishment due to sin." With both of these Sacraments, it is important not to wait until the last minute. Priest have many responsibilites, they might not be able to leave right away to attend to those needing an anointing. Many times, when the priest arrives at the hospital and/or hospice facility/home, the patient is being attended to and the priest cannot anoint them until the doctors, nurses and/or care giver finishes attending to the patient/loved one. On occasion, the person will pass away prior to the priest being able to attend to him/her, and is no longer able to receive the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick/Last Rites. Please reach out to your parish to have you or your loved one anointed even if you/they are not in danger of imminent death, this way, you can have peace of mind that you/they have been prepared for passing over to eternal life should it be God's will. 041b061a72