Sacraments - Sacramentos

What is a sacrament?

Before we explore the meaning and significance of the sacraments, it would only be right that we explain the force and meaning of the word sacrament itself.

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According to the writings of the early Church Fathers sacrament signifies a sacred thing which lies concealed. The Greeks often expressed the same idea in their use of the word mysterion (Latin: sacramentum) or literally “mystery.” This meaning we have come to learn from St. Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians (1:9) where it is said: “That he might make known to us the mystery (sacramentum) of his will”; and to Timothy: “…great is the mystery (sacramentum) of godliness” (1 Tim. 3:16); and in the Book of Wisdom: “They knew not the secrets (sacramenta) of God” (Wis. 2:22-24). In these and many passages throughout scripture the word sacrament is perceived and signifies nothing more than a holy thing that lies concealed or hidden.

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The Church Fathers, therefore, deemed the word sacrament an appropriate term to express the sensible signs that communicate grace in a tangible way. According to Pope St. Gregory the Great such a sign ought to be called a sacrament, because the divine power secretly carries out our salvation under the veil of sensible things.

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How many sacraments are there?

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that Christ instituted seven sacraments, which are as follows:

• Baptism

• Confirmation

• Eucharist

• Penance (reconciliation or confession)

• Anointing of the Sick

• Holy Orders

• Matrimony