“The goal of a virtuous life is to become like God” – Saint Gregory of Nyssa
What is virtue?
“A habitual and firm disposition to do the good” (CCC 1803). It guides a person’s actions and helps them to live a morally good life.
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What are the different types of virtues?
- Theological virtues
- Cardinal (human) virtues
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What are the theological virtues?
- Faith
- Hope
- Charity
They are gifts directly from God that enable a person to live in a relationship with the Holy Trinity. (CCC1812)
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How can I obtain the three theological virtues?
They are infused into the soul during baptism and the sacrament of Confession along with sanctifying grace.In baptism, we receive the grace of sanctifying grace of justification. The interior (spiritual) life has its roots in baptism.
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What are the cardinal (human) virtues?
They are the hinges of a virtuous life
- Prudence
Prudence is the virtue that disposes practical reason to discern our true good in every circumstance and to choose the right means of achieving it (1806)
2. Justice
consists in the constant and firm will to give their due to God and neighbor (1807)
3. Fortitude
Ensures firmness in difficulties and constancy in the pursuit of the good. It strengthens the resolve to resist temptations and to overcome obstacles in the moral life.
4. Temperance
Moderates the attraction of pleasures and provides balance in the use of created goods. It ensures the will’s mastery over instincts and keeps desires within the limits of what is honorable. (1809)
How do we obtain the cardinal virtues?
The cardinal virtues are acquired through human effort and cooperation with God’s grace (CCC 1804). While these virtues can be cultivated through human reason and education, they are perfected through the infused moral virtues of the Holy Spirit.
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What predominant fault (vice) should be countered with which virtue?
Pride should be countered with humility, greed with generosity, lust with chastity, and anger with patience (Catechism Compendium, 381). These virtues help to overcome vices and lead to spiritual growth.
| VICE | VIRTUE ( proper and balanced) | OPPOSITE EXTREME (too rigid) |
| Pride | Humility | Self – loathing |
| Greed | Generosity | Wastefulness |
| Lust | Chastity | Prudishness |
| Envy | Kindness | Cowardiceness/Timidity |
| Gluttony | Fasting | Deficiency |
| Wrath/Anger | Patience | Servility |
| Sloth | Diligence | Workaholism |
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