Dictionary
A modern dictionary of Catholic terms, both common and obscure. Find accurate definitions of words and phrases.
CHARITY, ACT OF
A supernatural act, based on faith, wherein God is loved for himself and not for any hope of reward. An act of charity requires divine grace, either sanctifying or actual or both. It is necessary for justification in the absence of baptism, sacramental absolution, or anointing. It is also the normal way of growing in the virtue of charity. A simple and widely used act of charity says: "My God, because you are so good, I love you with all my heart, and for your sake, I love my neighbor as myself. Amen." (Etym. Latin caritas, love; from carus, dear.)
All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.
