Ex Opere Operato vs. Ex Opere Operantis
Fr. John Hardon SJ is quoted at The Fatima Center defining these two sacramental terms: Ex opere operantis is a term mainly applied to the good dispositions with which a sacrament is received, to distinguish it from the ex opere operato which is the built-in efficacy of a sacrament properly conferred. The above is an excellent definition of those two sacramental terms that always must be considered in a balance. Most amateur theologians today are pretty good at knowing the principle of ex opere operato, namely, that a priest in mortal sin still validly confects the sacraments (provided he say the correct words.) This is good that amateur theologians know this. But most amateur [...]
