Viaticum

Viaticum is a term used for the Eucharist (Holy Communion), administered, with or without Anointing of the Sick (Extreme Unction), to a person who is dying; viaticum is thus a part of the Last Rites. The Catholic tradition of giving the Eucharist to the dying ensures that instead of dying alone they die with Christ who promises them eternal life. The word viaticum is a Latin word meaning “provision for a journey,” from via, or “way”. For Communion as Viaticum, the Eucharist is given in the usual form. The Eucharist is seen as the ideal spiritual food to strengthen a dying person for the journey from this world to life after death. This also includes Holy Communion and ordinary Holy Anointing to the home bound.

Refer the Pastoral Care of the Sick and the Dying [PDF] Document