In this episode Dr. Virginia Koch will open up the four cardinal virtues and how they play an important role in the life of a college student.

“Virtue is a habitual and firm disposition to do good.” - CCC 1833

Pop quiz: can you list the four cardinal virtues? In this episode, Virginia Koch is exploring both the virtues themselves and the characteristics of virtue. And if you recognize one that you would like to start living more fully, don’t go away: Virginia is offering you the steps to achieve the virtues you desire, to help you live life fully here on earth and to prepare for eternity in Heaven.

Virginia begins by defining the virtues of prudence, justice, temperance, and fortitude, and also explains the four characteristics of virtue: consistency, ease, promptitude, and joy. To illustrate these more fully, she describes a common scenario between roommates in a college dorm, and plays out how the characteristics of virtue can ease the situation and create a better living environment for everybody involved. She also suggests that even the desire to live virtuously can elevate whatever circumstances we may find ourselves in.

Virginia shares three ways that the Catechism suggests to grow in virtue: First, by educating ourselves in the virtues; second, by putting in intentional and deliberate effort; third, by relying on God’s grace. She also includes a specific resource to utilize in completing each of these steps - respectively, the book “The Art of Living,” mindset coaching, and the Bible. The podcast closes with a beautiful prayer by St. Thomas Aquinas, “A Prayer for the Virtues.”

Links

Contact Virginia!

Resources

The Art of Living: book

The Art of Living: 6-part series

A Prayer for the Virtues

More prayers for the virtues

The Enduring Value of Temperance