- From catholicculture.org
A virtue is a habit that allows a person to act in a good manner. Traditionally, the Church has identified seven virtues as the basic virtues required to lead a virtuous and holy life: the three theological virtues – faith, hope and charity – and the four cardinal virtues – prudence, justice, temperance, and courage. The Letter to the Galatians also identifies twelve virtues which are called the “Fruits of the Holy Spirit”: charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, and chastity. In the end, virtues are gifts from God which allow us to life lives in accord with His will. Like any habit, they must be practiced, and we only see the benefits of them by constantly trying to incorporate them into our lives.