The Seven Virtues

The Cross of Christ sets the pattern for virtuous living. In the words of Pope Pius XI, the Cross “is the holy sign of redemption and the emblem of moral strength and greatness.” In The Seven Virtues, Fulton J. Sheen carefully illustrates this pattern with a set of meditations on the Seven Last Words of Christ, connecting each to one of the seven cardinal and theological virtues. Readily recognizing that modern man suffers from a condition of spiritual fragmentation, Sheen prescribes peace as the remedy for that condition. And the path to peace is paved by the virtues of fortitude, prudence, justice, temperance, faith, hope, and charity—each exemplified by Jesus Christ in his life on earth.

Originally published in 1940, amidst the early tumult and turmoil of World War II, Fulton J. Sheen’s The Seven Virtues shines a small yet steady light on the only sure sign of peace: the Cross of Christ. Embracing that sign, enduring its shadow, the weakness of fallen man is made perfect by the virtus—the power—of God.