Introduction
WHAT IS VIRTUE?
What does Sacred Scripture say about virtue?
My brothers, your thoughts should be wholly directed to all that is true, all that deserves respect, all that is honest, pure, admirable, decent, virtuous or worthy of praise. (Philippians 4:8)
For [Wisdom] teaches temperance and prudence, justice and fortitude, and nothing in life is more useful for men than these. (Wisdom 8:7)
Can you define "virtue" for me?
A virtue is an habitual and firm disposition to do the good. It allows the person not only to perform good acts, but to give the best of himself. The virtuous person tends toward the good with all his sensory and spiritual powers; he pursues the good and chooses it in concrete actions.
The goal of a virtuous life is to become like God. (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1803)
WHAT ARE THE KINDS OF VIRTUE?
Human Virtues
What are human virtues?
Human virtues are firm attitudes, stable dispositions, habitual perfections of intellect and will that govern our actions, order our passions, and guide our conduct according to reason and faith. They make possible ease, self-mastery, and joy in leading a morally good life. The virtuous man is he who freely practices the good.
The moral virtues are acquired by human effort. They are the fruit and seed of morally good acts; they dispose all the powers of the human being for communion with divine love. (CCC 1804)
Is grace needed to practice human virtues?
Human virtues acquired by education, by deliberate acts and by a perseverance ever-renewed in repeated efforts are purified and elevated by divine grace. With God's help, they forge character and give facility in the practice of the good. The virtuous man is happy to practice them. (CCC 1810)
It is not easy for man, wounded by sin, to maintain moral balance. Christ's gift of salvation offers us the grace necessary to persevere in the pursuit of the virtues. Everyone should always ask for this grace of light and strength, frequent the sacraments, cooperate with the Holy Spirit, and follow his calls to love what is good and shun evil. (CCC 1811)
The Cardinal Virtues
What are cardinal virtues?
Four virtues play a pivotal role and accordingly are called "cardinal"; all the others are grouped around them. They are: prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. "If anyone loves righteousness, [Wisdom's] labors are virtues; for she teaches temperance and prudence, justice, and courage."[Cf Matthew 26:52.] These virtues are praised under other names in many passages of Scripture. (CCC 1805)
Theological Virtues
What are theological virtues?
[T]he theological virtues relate directly to God. They dispose Christians to live in a relationship with the Holy Trinity. They have the One and Triune God for their origin, motive, and object. (CCC 1812)
The theological virtues are the foundation of Christian moral activity; they animate it and give it its special character. They inform and give life to all the moral virtues. They are infused by God into the souls of the faithful to make them capable of acting as his children and of meriting eternal life. They are the pledge of the presence and action of the Holy Spirit in the faculties of the human being. There are three theological virtues: faith, hope, and charity. (CCC 1813)
FURTHER READING
- Fr William Saunders, Living a Virtuous Life (What are virtues?) (http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/religion/re0068.html)
- Peter Kreeft, Justice, Wisdom [Fortitude], Courage, and Moderation [Temperance]: The Four Cardinal Virtues (http://catholiceducation.org/articles/religion/re0017.html)
- Fr William Saunders, Justice, Fortitude, Temperance (http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/religion/re0531.html)
- Fr John Hardon, SJ, The Virtues (http://www.therealpresence.org/archives/Virtues/Virtues_001.htm)
- Fr Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange, OP The Moral Virtues (http://www.thesumma.info/reality/reality52.php)
- The Catholic Encyclopedia, Virtue (http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/15472a.htm)