Sanctifying Grace & Perfect Contrition

[InNomineDomini]

I have two, rather straightforward questions.

(1) Does an act of perfect contrition (APC) restore sanctifying grace to a soul that has fallen out of grace via mortal sin?

If yes, then,

(2) Can such a soul, after having made an APC, merit anything by, for example, saying certain devotions or by doing good works?

Any thoughts, answers, opinions, and sources would be greatly appreciated.

N.B., there’s a lot of misconceptions about APCs, and especially with regard to whether or not it is difficult to make one. Please keep in mind that “perfect” contrition is not the perfect DEGREE of contrition, but the perfect TYPE of contrition. My questions assume that one has, in fact, made a valid APC, and that they have moral certainty of this.

 

[Ad_Orientem]

1. Yes
2. Yes

The point that theologians debate is whether the graces, merits, gifts, growth, etc which one lost through mortal sin, are regained after an act of perfect contrition. In other words, whether one starts from square one again spiritually. I believe that most theologians hold that one does in fact have his prior spiritual state restored including all merits attained, etc.

 

[fred_conty]

1. Yes
2. Yes

The point that theologians debate is whether the graces, merits, gifts, growth, etc which one lost through mortal sin, are regained after an act of perfect contrition. In other words, whether one starts from square one again spiritually. I believe that most theologians hold that one does in fact have his prior spiritual state restored including all merits attained, etc.

Good reply.

APC restores sanctifying grace, the life of God in the person. This life then makes it possible for an increase in the degree sanctifying grace, which will be the degree of happiness in heaven at death.

May divine mercy, peace, and life be yours in ever greater measure.

 

[thistle]

I have two, rather straightforward questions.

(1)** Does an act of perfect contrition (APC) restore sanctifying grace to a soul that has fallen out of grace via mortal sin?**

If yes, then,

(2) Can such a soul, after having made an APC, merit anything by, for example, saying certain devotions or by doing good works?

Any thoughts, answers, opinions, and sources would be greatly appreciated.

N.B., there’s a lot of misconceptions about APCs, and especially with regard to whether or not it is difficult to make one. Please keep in mind that “perfect” contrition is not the perfect DEGREE of contrition, but the perfect TYPE of contrition. My questions assume that one has, in fact, made a valid APC, and that they have moral certainty of this.

Remember that an act of perfect contrition is conditional upon the intent to get to Confession as soon as possible.

 

[InNomineDomini]

Wonderful responses; thank you all sincerely.

Thistle: duly noted.

 

[ready]

Remember that an act of perfect contrition is conditional upon the intent to get to Confession as soon as possible.

True.

It is my understanding that so long as a person has supernatural charity and grace in his soul he gains merit for all his good works. This should apply to those who have made an act of perfect contrition with the intent to get to Confession ASAP. I can’t see why would it be otherwise? God bless you.