The Virtues
The Cardinal Virtues are foundational to living a moral and faithful Catholic life. They are called "cardinal" from the Latin word cardo, meaning "hinge," because all other virtues hinge upon them. The four virtues of Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance are essential for guiding human behavior in accordance with God’s will.
Prudence is the virtue that enables us to discern the good in every situation and choose the right means to achieve it. It is often called the "charioteer" of the virtues because it guides the others by practical judgment. A prudent Catholic seeks God’s wisdom through prayer, Scripture, and counsel, making decisions that reflect truth and charity. As Proverbs 3:21 says, “My son, do not lose sight of these—keep sound wisdom and discretion.” Prudence helps us avoid impulsive decisions and carefully consider how our actions affect our relationship with God and others.
Justice governs how we interact with others by giving each person what is rightly due to them. This includes fairness, honesty, and respect for the dignity of every human being. For Catholics, justice extends beyond social fairness to honoring God through worship and obedience. Scripture reminds us in Micah 6:8, “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Justice challenges us to defend the unborn, support the poor, and stand for truth in a world clouded by moral confusion.
Fortitude, or courage, strengthens us to face trials and resist temptations. It empowers us to endure suffering, rejection, or even persecution for the sake of righteousness. In a society that often opposes Catholic teachings, fortitude is necessary to uphold our faith boldly and without compromise. As Christ told His followers in John 16:33, “In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Fortitude fuels the resolve of martyrs and saints who bore witness to Christ despite great adversity.
Temperance moderates our desires and passions, ensuring we use God’s gifts responsibly. It protects us from overindulgence in pleasures like food, drink, or entertainment, helping us live with moderation and discipline. Temperance fosters purity, humility, and simplicity, aligning our hearts with God rather than worldly distractions. As St. Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians 9:25, “Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable one.”
These four virtues work together to shape a life that reflects Christ. Prudence guides decisions, justice orders relationships, fortitude strengthens conviction, and temperance keeps desires in check. While they are natural virtues that anyone can practice, Catholics seek their perfection through God’s grace. Through prayer, the sacraments, and daily acts of virtue, we grow closer to the holiness that God calls us to.
In a world marked by moral relativism, the Cardinal Virtues anchor Catholics in truth and goodness. By cultivating these virtues, we become instruments of God’s love and justice, living as authentic disciples of Christ and guiding others toward Him.