Who Are Present at Your Deathbed? The Final Battle for the Soul
Death is a crucial moment—perhaps the most important moment of our lives. It is at this threshold between time and eternity that the soul faces its final test. Many saints, priests, and exorcists testify that the dying often see both angels and demons. Some receive comfort from heaven, while others endure terrifying assaults from hell.
A Child’s Vision, the Dying’s Vision
Exorcists explain that the human ability to perceive the preternatural---often called the "third eye"—is most active during childhood, deep exhaustion, sleep, and especially at the hour of death. Fr. Gabriele Amorth, the chief exorcist of Rome, spoke about the spiritual realities that become visible at the moment of passing.
St. Andrew Avelino, for example, was harassed by 10,000 demons on his deathbed as the devils desperately tried to snatch his soul in his final agony. Even a priest who had secretly practiced the occult reportedly saw demons surrounding him as he lay dying.
I have also learned from friends that on their parents' deathbeds, their parents were uneasy, seeing evil spirits and the souls of the dead. They were only placated through the Holy Rosary and the sacrament of Extreme Unction.
This echoes the warning of Scripture: "Be sober and watch: because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, goeth about seeking whom he may devour." (1 Peter 5:8)
The Assistance of Heaven
On the other hand, those who have lived devoutly—especially those devoted to Our Lady—often receive the grace of her presence at death. The Blessed Virgin has promised in her Fifteen Promises of the Rosary that those who faithfully pray the Rosary will not die without the sacraments and will receive her special assistance.
St. John Bosco advised: "After Holy Communion, take a moment to pray that you will not die in mortal sin or suffer a sudden death."
The saints and angels also come to the aid of those who invoke them in their daily lives. Saints and our Guardian Angel is vital when we are dying. A well-known account tells of a priest who had a great devotion to St. Francis of Assisi. When he died, witnesses saw St. Francis appears, blessing the priest’s body and escorting his soul to eternity.
A Challenge: Live in Preparation for a Happy Death
The battle for our souls does not begin at death—it is fought throughout our lives. Death reveals whether we have lived in grace or in sin.
To ensure a happy death, we must:
Pray Daily – Maintain a strong prayer life, especially devotion to Our Lady and the Rosary.
Receive the Sacraments Frequently – Go to Confession regularly and receive Holy Communion with reverence.
Do Good Works – Acts of charity, almsgiving, and penance help purify the soul.
Remain in a State of Grace – Never risk dying in mortal sin. Seek forgiveness immediately.
Assisting the Dying
For children or family members of a dying person, it is essential to:
Call a priest for Extreme Unction (Last Rites). If the dying person is conscious, encourage a general confession.
Help them reconcile with God by leading them in an Act of Perfect Contrition.
Pray the Rosary with them.
Whisper ejaculatory prayers in their ear, such as: "Jesus, St. Joseph, and Mama Mary, save my soul."
Have them wear a blessed Brown Scapular (if possible, have a priest enroll them).
"Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord. From henceforth now, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; for their works follow them." (Revelation 14:13)
Death is not the end but the beginning of eternity. The question is: Where will we go? The answer depends on how we live now. Let us prepare each day as if it were our last, so that when our moment comes, we may die in God’s grace and be welcomed into eternal joy.