The host of AmericanDigest.org, Mr. Gerard Van der Leun, ‘the blogger’s blogger’, from whom I have shamelessly stolen countless memes and other posts as points of departure for posts here, is in his final agony from TurboCancer. Reports are that he has clergy at bedside in hospice.

I’m reminded of the Antiphon and Canticle of the Nunc Dimittis from Office of Compline, my favorite of the Hours…

Canticle Nunc dimittis 
Ant. Protect us, * Lord, while we are awake and safeguard us while we sleep; that we may keep watch with Christ, and rest in peace.
Canticle of Simeon
Luke 2:29-32 
2:29 Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord, + * according to thy word in peace;
2:30 Because my eyes have seen * thy salvation,
2:31 Which thou hast prepared * before the face of all peoples:
2:32 A light to the revelation of the Gentiles, * and the glory of thy people Israel.
V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost. 
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Ant. Protect us, * Lord, while we are awake and safeguard us while we sleep; that we may keep watch with Christ, and rest in peace.

—

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.