The role of the sacraments of Christian Initiation in the mystical union to achieve blessedness: a dialogue between saint Thomas Aquinas and the doctrine of the holy Catholic Church

Abstract

This article aims to highlight the importance of the sacraments of Christian initiation, Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist as concrete means of mystical union with God and as the ordinary path toward beatitude, in light of the doctrine of the Catholic Church and the theology of Saint Thomas Aquinas. Although these sacraments are widely addressed in their liturgical and catechetical aspects, they are not always understood in their mystical depth. This study, therefore, seeks to contribute to a clearer and more systematic understanding of their spiritual and transformative role. Drawing especially from the second part of Book III of the Summa Contra Gentiles, where Thomas presents the salvific efficacy of the sacraments as a fruit of Christ’s Passion, the article demonstrates how each sacrament brings about true interior regeneration in the soul of the faithful. The approach combines theological reflection and pastoral experience, aiming not only at academic deepening but also at offering a formative resource accessible to catechists, confirmation candidates, and other members of the faithful. It concludes that, from the Thomistic perspective, the Christian mystical life is not separate from the sacramental life but is realized through it, in fidelity to the action of grace operative in the sacraments. Thus, Baptism initiates union with God, Confirmation strengthens this union through the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and the Eucharist consummates it by uniting the faithful substantially with Christ. These sacraments, therefore, not only introduce the Christian into ecclesial life but progressively and concretely lead them to the perfection of beatitude.