Grace (Part IV)

Fr. Louis Guardiola, C.P.M.

Sufficient Grace

Actual grace considered apart from the supernatural effect for which it was bestowed. It may therefore mean the grace that does not meet with adequate cooperation on the part of the human recipient, and then it is merely sufficient grace. It is enough to enable a person to perform a salutary act, but who freely declines to cooperate. Or it simply mean the grace that gives one the power to accomplish a salutary action, as distinct from efficacious grace, which ensures that the salutary act be secured.

Efficacious Grace

The actual grace to which free consent is give by the will so that the grace produces it’s divinely intended effect. In the controversy between the Dominicans (Banez 1528-1604) and The Jesuits (Molina 1525-1600) there was no agreement on what precisely causes an actual grace to become efficacious. In the theory of Banez, the efficacy of such grace depends on the character of the grace itself. In the Molina theory it depends on the fact that it is given under the circumstances that God sees to be congruous with the dispositions of the person receiving the grace. In every Catholic theory it is agreed that efficacious grace does not necessitate the human will or destroy human freedom.

Actual Grace

Temporary supernatural intervention by God to enlighten the mind and/or strengthen the will to perform supernatural actions that lead to heaven. Actual grace is therefore an transient divine assistance to enable a man to maintain, obtain or grow in supernatural grace and the life of God.

About Fr. Lou Guardiola

Father Louis was born March 23rd, 1953 into a Mexican-American family in Detroit, Michigan. He has been a member of the Blue Army of Our Lady of Fatima since 1967. He attended Loyola University of Chicago, graduating Cum Laude in Scholastic Philosophy and Classical languages in 1976, having studied four years of Latin and five years of Greek. He taught Religious Education for many years in Illinois, Michigan, Kentucky and Connecticut as a layperson, novice, religious brother, Deacon and Priest. He studied under Fr. John Hardon as a Lay Catechist for seven years (1989-96) assisting him in research for his articles, books, and catechisms and in coordinating conferences with bishops and cardinals. Father Louis entered religious life with the Fathers of Mercy in 1996. He studied at Holy Apostles Seminary 1997-2001, graduating with M.A. in Divinity and M.A. in Theology, Magna cum Laude and class valedictorian. He was ordained May 31st, 2001, then assigned as assistant Pastor of Sacred Heart Church and interim Pastor of St. Peter?s church 2001-2. Father now resides at the Fathers of Mercy Generalate in South Union, Kentucky when he is not preaching missions, retreats and 40 hours devotions. Fr. Louis, and other members of the congregation, in conjunction with The Real Presence Association , is available to: Come to your parish as Eucharistic Speakers to promote Perpetual Adoration and Education Come to your parish to conduct a 40 hours devotion Come to your parish to conduct a week-long Eucharistic mission or retreat