Dictionary
A modern dictionary of Catholic terms, both common and obscure. Find accurate definitions of words and phrases.
SALUTARY ACT
Human action that is performed under the influence of grace and that positively leads a person to a heavenly destiny. The grace of a salutary act must be at least actual grace, whether a person is in the state of grace or not. If one is in the state of grace, the action is not only salutary but also meritorius. While the Church has not officially pronounced on the subject, it is common teaching that the justified also require actual grace for the performance of salutary acts. (Etym. Latin salus, health, well-being.)
All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.
