Cardinal & Theological Virtues

Theological and Cardinal Virtues Virtues are gifts from God that lead us to live in a close relationship with him. Virtues are like habits. They need to be practiced; they can be lost if they are neglected. The three most important virtues are called theological virtues because they come from God and lead to God. The cardinal virtues are human virtues, acquired by education and good actions. Cardinal comes from cardo, the Latin word for hinge, meaning “that on which other things depend.”

Theological Virtues faith hope charity

Faith Ability to believe in God & give your life to Him It makes you able to trust God completely and to accept all that He has revealed and teaches through the Catholic Church

Hope Closely related to faith It is the desire for all of the good things God has planned for you. It gives you confidence that God will ALWAYS be with you and that you will live with Him forever in heaven

Love (Charity) Charity leads you to love God above all things and love your neighbor as yourself. This love is more than just feelings ~ it is the way you think about God and act towards Him

Cardinal Virtues prudence justice fortitude temperance

Prudence Helps you decide what is good and then to choose to do it. It leads you to STOP & THINK before you act

Justice Leads you to respect the rights of others and to give them what is rightfully theirs You consider the needs of others and you always try to be fair

Fortitude Gives you the courage to do what is right even when it is very difficult Provides you with strength to the temptations you face, and even when it is difficult, to do what you know is right

Temperance Helps you balance what you want with what you need Helps you moderate your desire for enjoyment & builds self-control