Faith

COMPENDIUM

Faith is a supernatural virtue, infused by God into our souls, whereby, relying on the authority of God Himself, we believe whatever He has revealed, and whatever He proposes for us to believe by means of the Church, to be true.

We know the truths revealed by God by means of the Church, which is infallible, i.e., we know them through the Pope, the Successor of St. Peter, and through the Bishops, the Successors of the Apostles, who were taught by Jesus Christ Himself. We are quite sure of the things which are taught to us by the Holy Church, because Jesus Christ has pledged His word that the Church shall never be deceived.

Faith is lost by denying or by willfully doubting even one article proposed for our belief. It is regained by repenting of the sin thus committed and by believing afresh all that the Holy Church believes.

CATECHISM

864. What is Faith?

Faith is a supernatural virtue which God infuses into our souls, and by which, relying on the authority of God Himself, we believe everything which He has revealed and which through His Church He proposes for our belief.

865. How do we know the truths God has revealed?

We know the revealed truths by means of the Church, which is infallible; that is, by means of the Pope, the Successor of St. Peter, and by means of the Bishops, the Successors to the Apostles, who were taught by Jesus Christ Himself.

866. Are we certain of the truths the Church teaches us?

We are most certain of the truths the Church teaches, because Jesus Christ pledged His word that the Church should never be led into error.

867. By what sin is the Faith lost?

Faith is lost by denying or voluntarily doubting even a single article proposed for our belief.

868. How is lost Faith recovered?

Lost Faith is recovered by repenting of the sin committed and by believing anew all that the Church believes.