Ex opere operato
Ex opere operato (Latin: " by the accomplished action ", " what is happening by doing in itself" ) states that something is independent of the setting of the one who does it, and regardless of the setting of that on such and such for which it is done.
In the Catholic dogma of the term is the term for the objective function of the sacraments because of their correct operation, regardless of the moral disposition of donating priest. The efficacy of a sacrament then enters if the recipient does not preclude acts. This view of the Catholic Church is also shared by the Orthodox, Oriental and Anglican churches.
The opposite view, that the efficacy of the sacraments depends on the setting of the donor or recipient is determined by the Latin formula ex opere operantis expressed.
Text of the Council of Trent
In the seventh session of the Council of Trent on March 3, 1547 was in Can. 8 of the Decree on the Sacraments established: "Who says that the sacraments of the New Covenant will grace not because of the completed (Note: sacramental ) action (ie, ex opere operato ) awarded, but to obtain the grace sufficient to faith alone the divine promise, let him be anathema to the shows. "
The second Vatican Council
In the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy of the Second Vatican Council puts on the basis of Cyril of Alexandria value on the statement you (note: the Christians ) should give thanks to God and the Immaculate oblation offer not only through the hands of the priest but also together with him and learn to offer themselves. So they are through Christ the Mediator, go from day to day to ever fuller union with God and each other.
The Compendium of the Catholic Catechism of 2005
The compendium summarizes the sets 1127-1128, 1131 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church in Question 229 together: Why are the sacraments efficacious? The sacraments act ex opere operato ( "due to the completed sacramental action " ) ...