September 29, 2025

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Last week I wrote about the cardinal virtue of prudence. This week I want to continue this conversation by visiting all 4 cardinal virtues.  These virtues are habits that, when practiced and cultivated, allow us the ability to make right choices.

-The cardinal virtues can be "acquired by education, deliberate acts, and by a perseverance in repeated efforts (I say by practice). To grow in perfection these virtues are "purified and elevated” by divine grace as we participate in God’s plan for us. And with God's help, they forge character and give facility in the practice of the good" (summary of CCC1810).

-If we want to achieve a true and just society, the cardinal virtues are essential building blocks. It is impossible to create a moral culture without first encouraging the practice of these basic virtues of life.

THE CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH GIVES US A SUMMARY “Snapshot” of the 4 CARDINAL VIRTUES

-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; "the prudent man looks where he is going."... it guides the other virtues by setting rule and measure. It is prudence that immediately guides the judgment of conscience.

-Justice is the moral virtue that consists in the constant and firm will to give our just due to God and neighbor ... Justice toward men disposes one to respect the rights of each and to establish in human relationships the harmony that promotes equity with regard to persons and to the common good.

-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 persecution.

-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 ... In the New Testament it is called "moderation" or "sobriety." We ought "to live sober, upright, and godly lives in this world.”

In closing: The Cardinal Virtues (as mentioned above) can be acquired through work and practice. And life is so rewarding the more we seek and cultivate these virtues. And the more we practice virtue, the more we will find consistency in thought, word, and deed, for our good, and for the common good. Cicero, the famous Roman Statesman wrote: For a Republic to be healthy, the people must be infused with virtue. So the more we grow in virtue, the more society will grow in virtue leading to true justice and happiness (not in human terms, but according to the perfection of God).

It is clear that these qualities are as indispensable today as the ancient Greeks considered them to be.

Vivat Jesus,

Father Vic Gournas

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