Virtue of Fortitude
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church:
Fortitude is the moral virtue that ensures firmness in difficulties and
constancy in the pursuit of the good. It strengthens the resolve to resist
temptations and to overcome obstacles in the moral life. The virtue of fortitude
enables one to conquer fear, even fear of death, and to face trials and
persecutions. It disposes one even to renounce and sacrifice his life in
defense of a just cause. "The Lord is my strength and my song."70
"In the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome
the world."71
Fortitude or courage is the gift which helps us to be brave and patient in overcoming difficulties and carrying out our duties.
The virtue of fortitude, or courage, is firmness of spirit, steadiness of will in doing good despite obstacles in the performance of our daily duty. It suppresses unnecessary fear and curbs recklessness. Because fortitude also moderates rashness, it is the special virtue of pioneers in any field.
The gift of fortitude brings a steady spirit of resolution, firmness of mind, and strong will to persevere with a quiet faith in God’s providence that overcomes all obstacles. It also brings courage to persist in the practice of virtue despite trials, illness, persecution or external failure. A Catholic who becomes fervent in God’s service will soon be condemned by the world, but the gift of fortitude will sustain him as he walks toward the Cross.
Fortitude is the moral virtue that ensures firmness in difficulties and constancy in the pursuit of good. It strengthens the resolve to resist temptations and to overcome obstacles in the moral life. It enables us to conquer fear, even the fear of death, and to face trials and persecutions - even to sacrifice one’s life in defence of a just cause.
Fortitude Keeps us from running away from a confrontation
It is not foolish – rushing into a situation without preparation or
in uncontroled anger.
It is not cowardly – shrinking away from duty because of fear.
Fortitude understands that the loss of life is not the greatest tragedy,
but rather the loss of one’s soul.
Discussion Questions:
Can you think of someone who has lived out an example of fortitude (or courage) ?
Give 3 examples of how some of your favorite saints have exemplified fortitude (courage)?
Think of something in your own life that requires you to use the virtue of fortitude?