Dictionary

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

Search:

Or browse the dictionary by selecting a letter!
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

VIRTUAL INTENTION

An intention that was once made and continues to influence the act now being done. But it is not present to the person's consciousness at the moment of performing the act. This kind of intention is sufficient for a human act to be voluntary and therefore morally responsible. (Etym. Latin virtualis, from virtus, capacity, virtue.)

See Also: ACTUAL INTENTION, See Also: HABITUAL INTENTION, See Also: INTENTION, See Also: INTERPRETATIVE INTENTION

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

Click here to advertise on CatholicCulture.org
Think with the Catholic Leaders: Subscribe to Catholic Culture Insights Newsletter
Donate to Support this Site: Your contribution will be put to good work.
Tour the CatholicCulture.org Site
Shop Amazon to Raise Money for Catholic Culture
» Year of Faith - Overview & Resources
» Visit the Easter Workshop
» Visit the Ordinary Time Workshop
Click here to advertise on CatholicCulture.org

Recent Catholic Commentary

News coverage of the Vatican: the blind leading the blind 5 hours ago
Those Harleys again June 17
Happy Father's Day! June 14
Worried about the Pope's unscripted statements? Relax. He knows what he's doing. June 14
Want advance notice about Friday fast intentions? June 14

Top Catholic News

Most Important Stories of the Last 30 Days
Vatican document demands governments protect refugees CWN - June 6
Pope acknowledges 'gay lobby' influence in Vatican CWN - June 11
Pope confirms he is completing encyclical on faith begun by Benedict XVI CWN - June 13