In Catholic morality, "right intention" is crucial for evaluating the moral quality of an action 1. It refers to the purpose or motive behind a person's actions, playing a vital role in determining whether an act is morally good or evil 2.

Here's a breakdown of what "right intention" entails:

• Definition: Intention involves directing one's will toward a specific end or goal 3. It reveals the internal reasons behind an action, clarifying why a person performs it 3. The intention resides in the acting subject and is essential to the moral evaluation of an action because it lies at the voluntary source of the action and determines it by its end 1.

• Importance: Moralists consider intention a chief determinant of the morality of a human act 2. A good intention is not sufficient by itself, but a correct choice of actions is also needed 4.

• Effects on Morality:

  • A bad motive, even slightly so, can corrupt an otherwise good act if it is the only reason for performing the action 2.
  • A good intention can never justify an action that is inherently wrong 2 4. It is never lawful to steal, even if the intention is to aid the poor with the proceeds 2.
  • The morality of a human act depends primarily and fundamentally on the object rationally chosen by the deliberate will 4.

• Directing Actions: Intention is not limited to individual actions but can guide several actions toward one and the same purpose; it can orient one's whole life toward its ultimate end 1.

• Relation to God: An intention is good when it aims at the true good of the person in view of his ultimate end 5. To have moral value, actions must be vivified by holiness of intention 6. The Church urges forming a "good intention" each morning to sanctify the whole day and make even indifferent actions serve for God's glory 6.

• Right Intention and the Sacraments: Whoever administers a Sacrament must have the intention of doing what Christ intended when He instituted the Sacrament and what the Church intends when it administers the Sacrament 7.

In summary, "right intention" in Catholic morality refers to the internal purpose and motivation behind an action, which must be oriented towards the true good of the person and in accordance with God's will 5 1. While a good intention is essential, it cannot justify an inherently evil act; the act itself must be good and ordered to God 4.