The phrase "give last rites" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to the act of administering religious sacraments and prayers to someone who is near death or has passed away. It is often associated with the Catholic Church, but can also refer to similar rituals in other religions. Example: The priest arrived at the hospital to give the patient his last rites before he passed away peacefully surrounded by his family.
Although death rarely occurs, if ever, onlookers have summoned priests to give last rites.
LLOYD PRATOR stood on the sidewalk to meet the ambulances to bless victims and give last rites.
For weeks after Sept. 11, the lovely legend persisted that the Rev. Mychal Judge, a New York Fire Department chaplain, died from falling debris when he took off his helmet to give last rites to a firefighter.
In 1629, the priest Pedro de Oñate (1951) observed how [W]e well know and have seen... how terrible are the effects of mercury, as only in smelting... and treading... many are poisoned by mercury and we see those effects among those to whom we give last rites.
Only priests can celebrate Mass and perform certain other liturgical duties including giving last rites and hearing confession.
When Mr. Horan was in the hospital, he was twice given last rites by a Roman Catholic priest.
In 1907, a player was "beaned so badly that he was given last rites on the field".
Witnesses and videotape recorded inside the lobby confirmed that he died there and not while giving last rites.
In little more than three weeks, he conducted burial services for 1,834 inmates at Camp Mauthausen and 1,077 inmates at Camp Gusen, and he gave last rites to more than 2,000 patients in the camp hospitals.
After lying trapped in the wreck of his burning car and sustaining disfiguring injuries, Mr. Lauda survived, and went on to win two further world championships, but not before he was given last rites in his hospital bed.
"There are going to be more sore hearts, I'm sure of that, as a result of injuries and perhaps further death," said the Rev. Dan White, a priest who gave last rites to Mr. Lawlor.
