felix culpa

Meanings

1. A series of miserable events that will eventually lead to a happier outcome.
2. The Biblical story of the fall of Adam and Eve, the original sin, seen as fortunate (fēlīx), because it led to Christian redemption and the eventual hope of Heaven.

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin fēlīx culpa (“blessed fault”), via Roman Catholic theology, first used in Latin in the 4th century CE.