Grace

Grace is a theological concept that refers to the free and undeserved favor of God bestowed upon humanity. It is a supernatural gift that enables us to participate in God's life and achieve salvation. Grace is often understood as a divine assistance that empowers us to overcome sin and live a virtuous life. It is a central theme in Christian theology and is often associated with the Holy Spirit, who is seen as the source of grace.

Free Will

Free will is the capacity of rational beings to make choices that are not determined by external factors. It is a fundamental concept in many philosophical and religious traditions, and it is often seen as a necessary condition for moral responsibility. In the context of Christian theology, free will is understood as the gift of God, which allows us to choose to love and follow Him. However, free will is not absolute, as it is limited by our human nature and the influence of sin.

Sanctifying Grace

Sanctifying grace is a permanent gift of God that infuses the soul with divine life and makes us holy. It is a habitual grace that enables us to live in communion with God and to participate in His divine nature. Sanctifying grace is received through baptism and is strengthened through the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation. It is the foundation of Christian life and the source of all other graces.

Actual Grace

Actual grace is a temporary assistance that God gives us to help us perform specific actions or overcome particular temptations. It is a grace that is given to us in the moment we need it and helps us to cooperate with God's will. Actual grace is often seen as a response to our prayers and a sign of God's love and mercy.

Prevenient Grace

Prevenient grace is a grace that precedes our own efforts and prepares us to receive the gift of faith. It is a grace that moves us to seek God and to open our hearts to His truth. Prevenient grace is often seen as a manifestation of God's initiative in our lives, as He draws us to Himself before we are even aware of His presence.

Sacramental Grace

Sacramental grace is a specific grace that is given to us through the sacraments. Each sacrament has its own unique grace, which is intended to help us grow in holiness and to participate more fully in God's life. For example, the sacrament of baptism gives us the grace of forgiveness of sins and the gift of new life in Christ. The sacrament of the Eucharist gives us the grace of spiritual nourishment and a deeper union with Christ.

Carisms

Carisms are special graces that are given to individuals for the good of the Church. They are gifts of the Holy Spirit that enable us to serve others in a particular way. Carisms can be extraordinary, such as the gift of miracles or tongues, or they can be more ordinary, such as the gift of teaching or healing. All carisms are intended to build up the body of Christ and to spread the Gospel.

St. Augustine

Saint Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD) was a prominent early Church Father and philosopher. He is known for his influential writings on theology, philosophy, and the human condition. His conversion to Christianity and his subsequent writings had a profound impact on the development of Western Christianity. He is particularly known for his Confessions, a deeply personal account of his spiritual journey, and his City of God, a defense of Christianity against pagan critics.

St. Joan of Arc

Saint Joan of Arc (1412-1431) was a French peasant girl who became a military leader during the Hundred Years' War. She claimed to have received divine visions and messages from God, which inspired her to lead the French army to victory against the English. She was captured and burned at the stake by the English, but she was later canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church. She is considered a symbol of faith, courage, and national pride in France.