January 24: The Cardinal Virtues

The cardinal virtues are justice, temperance, prudence and fortitude. The are the cardinal or 'hinge virtues' on which Christian morality is based. Justice is the right relationship between God, ourselves and others. We respect the image of God in other human beings and God's creation. Temperance is our capacity to control ourselves in a rational way. Prudence is good judgment about the things of this world and the next. Fortitude, or courage, is our willingness to conquer our fears and face the challenges of life from the knowledge that Christ gave us concerning the truth about God, the purpose of life and our moral convictions, both personal and social.