To "hold last rites for" refers to the ceremonial and solemn act of conducting religious rituals or sacraments that are performed for someone who is nearing the end of their life or has recently passed away. These rites are typically conducted by a religious leader, such as a priest, minister, or spiritual counselor, and are considered to be of utmost importance within various faith traditions.
The phrase itself implies that the individual being mentioned has reached a critical point where death is imminent, and therefore it becomes necessary to perform the last rites before their passing. Last rites often encompass specific rituals and prayers intended to bring comfort and spiritual support to the individual, as well as to ask for forgiveness, offer blessings, and commend the individual's soul to a higher power.
The specific rituals and elements of last rites vary across different religious denominations and cultural practices, but they usually involve recitation of sacred texts, anointing with holy oils, the giving of communion or the Eucharist, and heartfelt prayers. The primary purpose of holding last rites is to provide spiritual guidance, console the person at the end of their life's journey, and ensure their smooth transition to the next stage of existence, often believed to be the afterlife.
Overall, to "hold last rites for" someone entails the performance of religious customs and rituals as a way to bring comfort, impart blessings, and accompany an individual on their final journey.
