Why Do Catholics ...?

Why do Catholics revere the cardinal virtues?

“The human virtues are stable dispositions of the intellect and the will that govern our acts, order our passions and guide our conduct in accordance with reason and faith,” the Catechism explains (1834). “They can be grouped around the four cardinal virtues: prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance.

“Prudence disposes the practical reason to discern, in every circumstance, our true good and to choose the right means for achieving it (1835).

“Justice consists in the firm and constant will to give God and neighbor their due (1836).

“Fortitude ensures firmness in difficulties and constancy in the pursuit of the good (1837).

“Temperance moderates the attraction of the pleasures of the senses and provides balance in the use of created goods” (1838).

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Palestinian Christians celebrate Easter Sunday Mass at Holy Family Church in Gaza City on March 31, amid the ongoing battles Israel and the Hamas militant group.

People Explain ‘Why I Go to Mass’

‘Why go to Mass on Sundays? It is not enough to answer that it is a precept of the Church. … We Christians need to participate in Sunday Mass because only with the grace of Jesus, with his living presence in us and among us, can we put into practice his commandment, and thus be his credible witnesses.’ —Pope Francis

Palestinian Christians celebrate Easter Sunday Mass at Holy Family Church in Gaza City on March 31, amid the ongoing battles Israel and the Hamas militant group.

People Explain ‘Why I Go to Mass’

‘Why go to Mass on Sundays? It is not enough to answer that it is a precept of the Church. … We Christians need to participate in Sunday Mass because only with the grace of Jesus, with his living presence in us and among us, can we put into practice his commandment, and thus be his credible witnesses.’ —Pope Francis