V.   Sacraments

Adieu is the ninth of the twelve (12) Apostolic Life Sacraments also known as “The Twelve”, “The Twelve Apostles” and “The Means”. Adieu is granted and administered within six months of likely death in accordance with these canons and associated approved liturgy.

The purpose of the sacrament of Adieu is as rites of forgiveness and cleansing to an incumbent in accordance with these canons and associated approved liturgy. The meaning of Adieu is derived from the Old French word adieu meaning “I commend you to God”.

The sacrament of Adieu comprises the completion of three separate and deliberate Acts in order: Act One being the Act of Charity, Act Two being the Act of Benevolence and Act Three being the Act of Annulment of Injuries.

Dying with dignity is a fundamental determination of an enlightened society.   Adieu is a celebration that enables those people who have some time before the point of death to seek resolution and peace before death. Because physical disease includes to some degree the deterioration of the conscious brain, it is also appropriate as a ceremony earlier in the process than later.