What is the Chaplet for the Dead?
The Chaplet was established by the Archconfraternity of Our Lady of Suffrage in Nimes, France, and approved by Pope Pius IX in 1873.
It is similar to a standard Rosary, except it has 4 decades instead of 5. The chaplet starts on the Cross, and has 4 introductory prayers, followed by 4 decades starting with 1 large bead (Pater) and 10 small beads (Aves). The 5 large beads represent the 5 wounds of Christ. The 40 small beads are in memory of the 40 hours which Our Lord spent in Limbo, releasing the souls from there. There are 49 beads total. A partial indulgence is granted and applied to the souls in Purgatory for each recitation of this chaplet.
The Chaplet for the Dead
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit
℟: Amen
On the Cross:
Out of the depths have I cried unto Thee, O Lord;
℟: Lord, hear my voice.
Let thine ears be attentive
℟: to the voice of my supplication.
If thou, O Lord, shalt observe our iniquities,
℟: O Lord, who shall endure it?
For with thee there is merciful forgiveness;
℟: and by reason of Thy law, I have waited for Thee, O Lord.
My soul hath relied on His word:
℟: my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
From the morning watch even until night,
℟: let Israel hope in the Lord.
Because with the Lord there is mercy,
℟: and with Him plentiful redemption.
And he shall redeem Israel
℟: from all his iniquities.
On the first Pater (large bead):
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.
℟: And let perpetual light shine upon them.
Act of Faith (first small bead):
My God, I believe in Thee,
℟: because Thou art Truth itself; I firmly believe the truths revealed to the Church.
Act of Hope (second small bead):
My God, I hope in Thee,
℟: because Thou art infinitely good.
Act of Charity (third small bead):
My God, I love Thee with all my heart, and above all things,
℟: because Thou art infinitely perfect; and I love my neighbor as myself, for the love of Thee.
On all the Paters (large beads):
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.
℟: And let perpetual light shine upon them.
On All the Aves (small beads):
Sweet Heart of Jesus
℟: be my love.
Sweet Heart of Mary
℟: be my salvation.
At the End:
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.
℟: And let perpetual light shine upon them.
May the souls of all the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
℟: Amen.
May the love of God and the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ bless us and console us and gently wipe every tear from our eyes.
℟: Amen.
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit
℟: Amen