How to Pray the Rosary After Someone's Death

The Rosary is a devotion to Mary, the mother of Jesus of Nazareth, that is popular among Roman Catholics. According to Catholic theology, Mary made 15 promises regarding the recitation of the Rosary to St. Dominic and Blessed Alan, many of which deal with the sanctification, or protection, of the souls of the dead. Therefore, the Rosary is often said during the "vigil," or wake, of a Catholic funeral. Ideally, the devotion is led by the Priest conducting the service, but can be led by any of the faithful who are in attendance.

Recite the Rosary during the vigil while meditating on the Glorious Mysteries: The resurrection, which inspires an increase of faith; The ascension, which inspires an increase of hope; The descent of the Holy Spirit, which inspires charity or love; The assumption, which looks forward to a happy death; and The coronation, which celebrates confidence in the promises made by Mary.

Recite the Eternal Rest prayer after each group of 10 Hail Marys, called a decade: "Eternal rest grant unto him/her, O Lord;and let perpetual light shine upon him/her. May he/she rest in peace. Amen." Recite this prayer instead of the Fatima Prayer: "O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to heaven, especially those who are most in need of your mercy." Optional; recite the Eternal Rest prayer instead of the Glory Be prayer which follows every decade.

Recite Psalm 130 instead of the Hail Holy Queen prayer. The Hail Holy Queen prayer is typically recited after the full five decades of the mystery have been completed. It is the conclusion for each set of mysteries.

Recite the Chaplet, for the Dead. This a special four decade Rosary. It begins with Psalm 130 and is composed of the Eternal Rest prayer and the phrase, "Sweet Heart of Mary, be my salvation," in place of the Hail Marys. Other prayers may be added as this devotion is not standardized to the extent of the Dominican Rosary.

Add the Eternal Rest prayer to the recitations of the Rosary in the month of November. This is the month which the Catholic Church dedicates to the souls in purgatory.