Fr. Titus Brandsma Bay Area Assembly 2772

The Four Cardinal Virtues

Also known as moral, natural or human virtues.

The Catechism states in paragraph 1804 (Catechism of the Catholic Church (p. 532). USCCB. Kindle Edition):

"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. (2500) 

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. "

1. 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. (see CCC 2nd ed 1806)

2. Justice is the moral virtue that consists in the constant and firm will to give their due to God and neighbor. (see CCC 2nd ed 1807)

3. Temperance is the moral virtue that 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. (see CCC 2nd ed 1809)

4. Fortitude is the moral virtue that 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. The virtue of fortitude enables one to conquer fear, even fear of death, and to face trials and persecutions. It disposes one even to renounce and sacrifice his life in defense of a just cause. (see CCC 2nd ed 1808)

The Three Theological Virtues

5. Faith is the virtue by which we believe in God and believe all that he has said and revealed to us, and that Holy Church proposes for our belief, because he is truth itself. (see CCC 2nd ed 1813-1816)

6. Hope is the virtue by which we desire the kingdom of heaven and eternal life as our happiness, placing our trust in Christ’s promises and relying not on our own strength, but on the help of the grace of the Holy Spirit.  (see CCC 2nd ed 1817-1821)

7. Charity is the virtue by which we love God above all things for his own sake, and our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God.  (see CCC 2nd ed 1822-1829)