Licit / Valid

[T.More]

I read in an article that a particular society of priests “carried out ‘illicit’ but yet valid ministry of the sacraments . . .”

What is the difference between licit and valid?

Thanks

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

T. More:

I read in an article that a particular society of priests “carried out ‘illicit’ but yet valid ministry of the sacraments . . .”

What is the difference between licit and valid?

Thanks

Short answer…

Licit means legal.

Vaild speaks about the sacraments.

So illicit by valid means that the sacrament is valid (real) but their celebration of them are illegal.

 

[Joe_Kelley]

If you steal money from a bank the money is illicit.

If you print your own money the money is invalid.

 

[T.More]

Thanks. Good analogy.

 

[deogratias]

As I understand it, in Church terms, validity refers to the power and licit to the jurisdiction

I suppose the money analogy would work in that one might have the power to print money but not the right to do so.

 

[moira]

Someone gave me a great answer to this on another thread.

I get the recipe for sippin’ whiskey from Jack Daniel’s. I make a batch in my basement. Is it whiskey (valid)? Sure 'nuf. Is it legal (licit)? Nope.

I’ve always had a hard time with this question, too. But this answer finally got it through my thick little skull!