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September 20, 2005
Ch. XXIX. Q. 155. What is the effect of the Sacrament of Holy Order?
THE EFFECT of the Sacrament of Holy Order is a threefold grace: (a.) a special character indelibly impressed upon the soul; (b.) gratia gratis data, given for the ministry of grace: (c.) gratia gratum faciens, making the Minister worthy.1
2. A special character distinguishes each Order of the Ministry. It is indelible, so that the Sacrament cannot be iterated even after deposition. Thus a Priest is such forever, here and hereafter, even if deprived of the right to exercise his ministry, and in spite of subsequent heresy and schism.2 Difference of opinion has prevailed as to the validity of Orders conferred by heretical or schismatical Bishops. Practically, however, such Orders have not been iterated when conferred with the proper matter and form, provided the originators of the heresy or schism are thought to have been validly ordained and the succession has been duly maintained (cf. Q. 154. 6).3
3. Gratia gratis data, or grace given for the ministry of grace, is the proper grace of Ordination, whereby the subject of the Sacrament is endowed with the power and authority which pertain to the exercise of the Christian Ministry.4 By reason of this grace its subject possesses mission or jurisdiction. Jurisdiction is of two kinds: (a.) habitual jurisdiction, which arises from the fact of Ordination simply: (b.) actual jurisdiction, which arises from the canonical assignment of territory within which, or of persons over which, its recipient may exercise his jurisdiction lawfully.5 Since this grace pertains to official functions ordained by Christ and made effectual by Him, it enables His Minister to perform those functions, ex opere operato, whatever his personal faith or worthiness may be (cf. Q. 142. 4).
4. Gratia gratum faciens, or grace making its subject pleasing in the sight of God, is given for the personal Sanctification of Christ's Minister, so that his private virtues may correspond to his public Office and that he may worthily endure the peculiar temptations and difficulties of the Ministry. Since this grace is personal, its benefits depend upon personal conditions of faith and penitence in its subject. While these benefits are personal, they also increase the edification with which the Minister's public functions are discharged, and thus pertain to the spiritual success of his ministry and its beneficial effect upon the faithful.6
1 Denton's Grace of the Ministry: Grueber's Holy Order, 116-128: Percival's Digest, 154: S. Thos., Sum. Th. I. II. 111. 1.
2 Grueber, 125-128: Percival, 154: Schouppe, XVI. 88-90: S. Thos., III. sup. 35. 2.
3 Grueber, 128-142.
4 Grueber, 117-119: S. Thos., I. II. 111: 1: Schouppe, IX. 17: Denton, VI, VII.
5 Grueber, 151-164: Denton, ch. VII.
6 S. Thos., I. II. 111. 1: III. sup. 35. 1 Schouppe, IX. 17: Denton, ch. VIII-XI.
Posted by Trevor at September 20, 2005 11:45 AM