Virtues are at the heart of Catholic teaching, shaping moral character and guiding believers toward holiness and union with God. This guide addresses the most important and frequently asked questions about virtues, highlighting their central role in the Catholic Faith.

1. What Is a Virtue in Catholic Teaching?

The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes virtues as "habitual and firm dispositions to do good" (CCC 1803). Virtues allow a person to act in accordance with reason, assist in living out the teachings of Christ, and bring one closer to God.

2. Why Are Virtues So Important to Catholics?

Virtues enable Catholics to love God and neighbor more perfectly by:

• Strengthening moral character
• Sustaining the spiritual life
• Empowering resistance to temptation and sin
• Guiding one’s actions in accordance with God’s will

Practicing virtue is essential for growing in holiness and attaining eternal happiness with God.

3. What Is the Difference Between Theological and Cardinal Virtues?

Catholic tradition distinguishes between two main types of virtues:

Theological virtues relate directly to God, while cardinal virtues govern moral actions in daily life.

4. What Are the Theological Virtues?

• Faith — Believing in God and all that he has revealed.
• Hope — Trusting in God’s promises and relying on his grace.
• Charity (Love) — Loving God above all and neighbor as oneself for love of God.

These virtues are received at Baptism and perfected by God’s grace.

5. What Are the Cardinal Virtues?

• Prudence: Right reason in action; discerning the true good in every circumstance.
• Justice: Giving to others what is rightfully theirs; living in right relationship.
• Fortitude: Courage to persevere in doing good, especially amid difficulties.
• Temperance: Moderation and self-control in all things.

Practicing these virtues is necessary for moral living and imitating Christ.

6. How Are Virtues Cultivated in Catholic Life?

How to Grow in Virtue 

Virtues grow through:

• God’s grace—received especially in the sacraments
• Prayer and meditation on Scripture
• Forming conscience regularly by examination and repentance
• Imitating saints who exemplify heroic virtue
• Concrete acts of charity, justice, self-discipline, and perseverance

Cultivating Catholic virtue in daily life involves intentional actions powered by faith, grace, and self-discipline. Regular prayer and participation in the sacraments strengthen the soul, while reflecting on Scripture and Church teachings offers practical wisdom for everyday decisions. Small acts of kindness, patience, honesty, and forgiveness—rooted in love of God and neighbor—transform ordinary routines into opportunities for spiritual growth. Seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, imitating the saints, and making examination of conscience a daily habit further help integrate virtues like humility, fortitude, and charity into every moment. By surrendering ordinary challenges to God and striving to act with virtue in both words and deeds, Catholics steadily grow closer to Christ and build a life marked by holiness and peace. 

7. Why Are Virtues the Path to Holiness?

Catholic teaching holds that virtue is essential for sanctification—growing in likeness to Christ. A virtuous life reflects love of God and neighbor, fulfills Christ’s commandments, and prepares the soul for heaven.

8. Are There Catholic Saints Who Embodied Virtue?

All the saints are models of virtue! For example:

• St. Thomas Aquinas—wisdom (prudence)
• St. Teresa of Calcutta—charity
• St. Maximilian Kolbe—fortitude
• St. Joseph—justice and humility

Their lives provide inspiration and practical examples for growing in virtue.

9. What Is the Role of Virtues in the Sacraments?

The sacraments, especially Baptism and the Eucharist, strengthen virtues supernaturally. Confession (Reconciliation) restores grace lost by sin and renews resolve to practice virtue.

Virtue and the sacraments are deeply intertwined in Catholic life. The sacraments are visible signs instituted by Christ to bestow divine grace, which enables and strengthens the practice of virtue in daily living. Through participation in the sacraments, Catholics receive spiritual nourishment, forgiveness, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, enabling them to grow in virtues such as charity, humility, and fortitude. The grace received through these sacred encounters not only heals and renews the soul but also provides the spiritual strength and guidance needed to live authentically and grow in holiness each day. 

10. How Can I Practice Virtues in My Daily Catholic Life?

• Attend Mass and receive the Eucharist
• Regular Confession to cultivate humility and self-knowledge
• Daily acts of charity, patience, and forgiveness
• Follow the Ten Commandments and Beatitudes
• Pray for the guidance and gifts of the Holy Spirit
• Turn to the Blessed Virgin Mary and saints for help

Embracing virtues is the foundation of Catholic discipleship and the key to spiritual joy, hope, and fulfillment.

Video From Fr. Mike Schmitz on the Virtue of Faith

Video From Fr. Gregory Pine on 3 Virtues You Should Focus On

You Might Also Like:

• Saintly Habits: 7 Simple Strategies You Can Use to Grow in Virtue
• The Virtue of Justice Explained
• Discovering Hope Through the Beatitudes
• Finding Union with Christ in Suffering