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Dictionary

A modern dictionary of Catholic terms, both common and obscure. Find accurate definitions of words and phrases.

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GRATUITOUS GRACE

The free gift conferred on particular persons for the salvation of others. Technically called gratia gratis data (grace freely given), it is independent of the personal moral life or behavior of its possessor. To this class belong such gifts of grace as charismata (prophecy, gift of miracles, gift of tongues), the priestly power of consecration and absolution, and the hierarchial power of jurisdiction.

See Also: ACTUAL GRACE, See Also: EFFICACIOUS GRACE, See Also: GRACE, See Also: HABITUAL GRACE, See Also: JUSTIFYING GRACE, See Also: SACRAMENTAL GRACE, See Also: SANATING GRACE, See Also: SANCTIFYING GRACE, See Also: SUFFICIENT GRACE

All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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