Ex opere operato, normally translated "the work by the work," or, as more specifically defined in The Catholic Catechism, "by the very fact of the action's being performed," has always been the cornerstone of Catholic sacramental thinking.
The Catechism goes on the say, "the sacrament is not wrought by the righteousness of either the celebrant or the recipient, but by the power of God." This is a quote from Thomas Aquinas.
http://www.angelfire.com/ky/dodone/ExO.html ===
SD, is this not the RC response to those questioning the moral suitability of the officiant?
SD, is this not the RC response to those questioning the moral suitability of the officiant? Yes, of course, thank you. I have been trying to express that in my own words, and trad has helped as well.
SD