"Why Dying People See Dead People: A Spiritual Warning About the Danger of Dying in Mortal Sin"
"What is it that renders death terrible? Sin. We must therefore fear sin, not death."
— St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori
Death is the final battle of the soul — a moment not merely of physical agony, but of spiritual warfare. The world may see death as a peaceful escape or a biological process, but in the eyes of the saints, exorcists, and mystics of the Church, the hour of death is the most dangerous and decisive moment of one’s entire life. It is when Heaven, Hell, and the soul come face-to-face in the judgment of eternity.
Demons at the Deathbed: The Final Assault
Exorcists have warned that at the moment of death, demons manifest in full force, aiming to snatch the soul before it can be rescued by the mercy of God. They do not rest even for the holy. One striking case is that of St. Andrew Avellino, who, at the moment of his death, was harassed by 10,000 demons. He was a holy priest and religious — not in mortal sin — yet this horrific encounter served as a profound warning: even the holiest are not exempt from the devil’s rage. He was saved only through the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, proving that devotion to her is crucial until the final breath.
In another case, a dying man surrounded by demonic entities was saved because his children began praying the Rosary fervently by his side. One child cried out, “Dad, call on Jesus, Mary, and St. Joseph!” The man opened his eyes and whispered, “They are here now,” and at that moment, the demons fled. He died peacefully, surrounded by heavenly presence.
Dead Relatives at the Hour of Death — Or Deceitful Spirits?
Many people report that their dying loved ones claim to see deceased relatives — sometimes even speaking to them. While not all of these visions are demonic, we must be cautious. According to saints and exorcists, demons can disguise themselves as familiar souls to deceive and frighten the dying. Why? Because at the moment of death, a person’s preternatural senses (the soul’s natural ability beyond the physical body) are often opened, similar to those of infants or people in altered states, making them vulnerable to spiritual entities.
The Sin of Neglect: Failing to Receive the Last Sacraments
The Blessed Virgin Mary in her approved apparition as Our Lady of Good Success warned about how the Sacraments — especially Confession and Extreme Unction (Last Rites) — are neglected by many, even priests. Many clergy, she said, would grow lazy and neglect this sacred duty. Families, too, often delay calling a priest out of fear of frightening the dying or believing it to be unnecessary. But the Last Rites bring healing to both body and soul, and are sometimes the only grace that can save a dying person from eternal damnation.
"Many will die in mortal sin without Extreme Unction as a punishment for their obstinacy," said Our Lady.
The Power of the Rosary and the Brown Scapular
One powerful story tells of a woman at the judgment seat of God. Her sins were great, and her fate seemed sealed — but then Our Lady placed her Brown Scapular on the scale, and her countless Rosaries tipped the balance in her favor. She was spared from Hell and sent to Purgatory for purification. This story reflects the promises of the Blessed Virgin to those who wear the Brown Scapular faithfully and pray the Rosary daily: that they shall not suffer eternal fire and will receive aid at the hour of death.
“He who dies clothed in this Scapular shall not suffer eternal fire.” — Promise of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
No Mercy for the Obstinate Sinner
St. Alphonsus Liguori, the Doctor of Moral Theology, warned sternly that obstinate sinners, those who persistently abuse God's mercy and delay conversion, may not receive the grace of repentance on their deathbed. He writes:
"God often punishes habitual sinners by allowing them to die suddenly or without true contrition."
Such souls may cry out, but find that God does not answer, for they chose rebellion over mercy until the very end.
A Holy Death Must Be Prepared
A holy and peaceful death is not a coincidence — it is the result of a life lived in friendship with God. Sickness, suffering, and trials must be received as preparations for a holy death, not as punishments. Family prayer, the Rosary, regular Confession, Mass attendance, acts of charity, and living in the state of grace are all part of this preparation.
As the Bible warns:
“They shall not see death forever.” – John 8:51
“It is appointed for men to die once, and after that comes judgment.” – Hebrews 9:27
Conclusion: Heaven Is for Those Who Are Ready
Ready or not, death is certain. What remains uncertain is the state of your soul when that moment comes. Hell waits for those who choose sin, ignore God's mercy, and reject the grace of the Sacraments. But for those who live a virtuous life, entrust themselves to Our Lady, and die in God’s friendship, the gates of Heaven will open.
"O Death, where is thy sting?" – 1 Corinthians 15:55
“The greatest honor you can give to Almighty God after receiving Him in Holy Communion is to thank Him.” — St. Alphonsus
Let us not wait for signs at the deathbed. Let us live every day as if it were our last — because one day, it will be. Let us pray, repent, wear the Scapular, love the Blessed Virgin Mary, and fight for Heaven while there is still time.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, I give you my heart and my soul.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, assist me in my last agony.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, may I breathe forth my soul in peace with You.
Amen.
~Catholic Tradition and Evangelization
