Ex opere operato is a Latin phrase meaning "from the work worked" that, in reference to sacraments, signifies that they derive their efficacy not from the minister (which would mean that they derive it ex opere operantis, meaning "from the work of the worker"), nor from the recipient, but—independently of the merits of either—from the sacrament itself. According to the ex opere operato interpretation of the sacraments, any positive effect comes not from any human worthiness or faith, but from the sacrament as an instrument of God.
In the words of Dominican priest Jorge Scampini, S.T.M., "Affirming the ex opere operato efficacy means being sure of God's sovereign and gratuitous intervention in the sacraments." For example, in confirmation the Holy Spirit is bestowed neither through the attitude of the bishop nor that of the person being confirmed, but freely, by God, through the instrumentality of the sacrament. However, in order to receive sacraments fruitfully, it is believed necessary for the recipient to have faith.
