Catholic Bereavement Prayers
comfort for every kind of loss

catholic bereavement prayers taken from the bible

Catholic bereavement prayers can be a comfort for every kind of loss.

Grief affects us all differently. Whether you've lost a beloved parent, a cherished friend, a life partner, a grandparent, a child, or even a loyal pet, the pain of absence can feel overwhelming. In Catholic tradition, prayer has long been a source of comfort, an anchor in times of sorrow and uncertainty.

Catholic bereavement prayers are more than ritual words; they offer peace, healing, and a reminder that love transcends this life.

On this page, you’ll find carefully chosen Catholic prayers, both traditional and gently adapted ones for different types of loss.

You don’t need to be a devout Catholic to find comfort in them.

I  am a bit of a lapsed one but I found, having reacquainted myself during the loss of my mum, with the religion because she was a devout one,  it all felt very familiar and to be honest, quite comforting.

These prayers can be read silently, shared with others, or written into a journal.

They’re here for you, wherever you are on your grief journey or if you need to share some appropriate warm words with a friend.

general catholic bereavement prayer

For anyone experiencing loss.

Heavenly Father,

You are close to the broken hearted and you save those who are crushed in spirit.
In this time of sorrow, we place our grief in your loving hands.
Grant us the grace to mourn with hope, trusting in the resurrection of your Son.
Hold our loved one in your eternal embrace,
And fill our hearts with peace that surpasses all understanding.
May we feel your nearness in our pain, and your light in our darkness.
Amen.

for the loss of a parent

For those grieving a mother or father.

Lord God,

You gave me the gift of a parent’s love,
And now, in their passing, I feel both gratitude and sorrow.
Thank you for all the moments we shared, the words spoken, the lessons lived.
May their soul rest in your everlasting peace.
Welcome them into your kingdom, where pain is no more,
And love endures forever.
Comfort me in my loss, Lord, and remind me that your love for us never ends.
Amen.

for the loss of a life partner

For those mourning the deep loss of their life companion.

Merciful God,

In your divine plan, you gave me a partner to walk beside.
Now that they are gone, the silence echoes more than words can express.
But I believe you are with me in this emptiness.
Receive them, Lord, into your gentle arms.
May the love we shared be a reflection of your eternal love.
Help me face each new day with courage,
And to carry their memory with grace.
Amen.

for the loss of a child

For those suffering the profound loss of a son or daughter.

Tender Father,

You who know the sorrow of losing your Son,
Be near to me in this time of unimaginable grief.
I entrusted my child to your care from the beginning.
Now I ask that you hold them close in the light of heaven.
Though my heart breaks, I trust in your mercy.
Turn my tears into prayer, my sorrow into love.
Give me strength to live in hope until we are reunited.
Amen.

for the loss of a friend

For those mourning a dear friend or companion.

Loving God,

You bless our lives with friendships that lift our spirits and shape our souls.
Today I mourn the loss of someone who brought laughter, support, and warmth.
Though their voice is quiet now, their spirit lives on in every memory.
Welcome them into your peace, Lord.
Let their kindness and joy live on in how I treat others.
And when I feel alone, remind me they are not far—
Just beyond the veil, held in your love.
Amen.

for the loss of a grandparent

For those grieving a grandmother or grandfather.

Everlasting God,

Thank you for the legacy of love passed down through generations.
For the wisdom, the stories, and the quiet guidance of a grandparent’s presence.
Now that they rest in your arms,
May I honour them by living with compassion and strength.
Surround my family with peace as we grieve,
And help us treasure the gift of their life.
Amen

for the loss of a pet

For those mourning the loss of a beloved animal companion.

Creator of all life,

You placed in our hearts the love of animals,
And you entrusted me with the life of a faithful companion.
Today I grieve their absence deeply.
Thank you for the joy, comfort, and unconditional love they gave.
Though they were not human, they were family.
Bless their gentle spirit, and may I feel gratitude for the time we shared.
Heal my heart, and help me remember that all love is a reflection of you.
Amen.

for those left behind

For caregivers, siblings, family members, and anyone feeling the burden of absence.

God of all comfort,

You see every silent ache and understand each unspoken word.
We pray not only for the souls of those who have gone,
But for those of us who remain,
Wrestling with loneliness, regret, or unanswered questions.
Give us your peace, Lord.
Fill the gaps left behind with your tender presence.
May we love one another more fiercely in the light of loss.
And may we never forget that you are with us always.
Amen.

traditional catholic bereavement prayers

These classic prayers have been said for centuries and may bring comfort through familiarity and tradition, and said to help release souls from purgatory.

Eternal Father,
I offer You the Most Precious Blood of Your Divine Son, Jesus,
In union with the Masses said throughout the world today,
For all the Holy Souls in Purgatory,
For sinners everywhere,
For sinners in the Universal Church,
Those in my own home and within my family.
Amen.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
And let perpetual light shine upon them.
May their soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed,
Through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen.

lighting a candle in prayer as a ritual

catholic bereavement prayers and journaling

In many Catholic traditions, lighting a candle is a symbolic gesture, offering light to someone in darkness and lifting a soul in prayer.

f you're the one grieving, lighting a candle while saying one of these prayers may bring a sense of ritual and calm.

You might even create a small remembrance space at home with a photo and candle as a gentle practice of mourning and honouring your loss.

If you know someone who is of the faith and grieving, a candle & a card with a prayer beautifully written could be a perfect gift from you.

Grief is not something to be rushed through or fixed. It is a sacred process of love continuing after loss.

The Catholic tradition reminds us that we are never truly alone and that God walks beside us in every tear and every prayer.

Whether the loss was recent or many years ago, these Catholic bereavement prayers can help soothe a heart, ground a spirit, and help connect to something greater.

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