Article I. On the Notion and Efficacy of Satisfaction

The discussion concerns actual satisfaction, not satisfaction insofar as it is only in purpose.

I. Notion. What satisfaction generically taken is has been said in t. I, n. 979. But sacramental satisfaction is compensation for temporal punishment owed because of sins, through an afflictive work. Therefore sacramental satisfaction is not a prayer which someone says in place of a penance he has forgotten. Nor does it suffice that the confessor afterward ratify that prayer, because satisfaction must be imposed before it is performed.

II. Efficacy. Sacramental satisfaction compensates for, and thus removes, temporal punishment not only ex opere operantis but also ex opere operato. The reason is that the said satisfaction is not only a salutary and meritorious act, satisfying de condigno for some remaining punishment, but also an integral part of the sacrament; in other words, satisfaction effects that the sacrament be an efficacious sign of integral, or more perfect, remission, or remission extending itself to the debt of remaining punishment. But through sacramental satisfaction so much punishment is removed as corresponds to the satisfaction performed, so that by a heavier penance more, and by a lighter penance less, of the punishment owed is remitted.

It is disputed whether actual satisfaction also increases sanctifying grace ex opere operato (cf. St. Thomas, 3 p., question 90, article 2, ad 2).