Supports for the Virtuous Life
MOSAIC, Summer 2011

Very Rev. Msgr. Jeffrey M. Monforton

"The simple believes everything, but the prudent looks where he is going."

This quote from Proverbs 14:15 instructs that our attitudes guide our conduct and our attitudes have consequences. How appropriate the theme of the summer Mosaic, our latest, is the four cardinal, or pivotal, virtues for faithful Christian conduct. Our faith teaches that these virtues are "habitual perfections of intellect and will" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 1804) and provide a direct impact on our conduct.

The virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance uphold our Christian integrity. What immediately comes to mind is my first parish assignment as an associate pastor at the National Shrine of the Little Flower. If you have never visited this beautiful church adorned with sacred architecture, I highly encourage you to make a visit. The church is constructed "in the round," that is, the massive Carrera marble altar is in the center of the entire church. Surrounding the sanctuary are the first rows of pews in the nave and immediately behind these pews are four massive columns that support the ceiling and roof of the church structure.

Inscribed on the facade of each one of these columns is a cardinal virtue. Any structural compromise in one of these columns would adversely affect the ability for the other three columns to uphold the roof or ceiling. This proves true also with our own actions in that we Christians are to grow in and employ all four of these virtues in everyday life.

Perhaps in these coming weeks you and I may reflect in this extraordinary ordinary time how we may better embrace our Christian calling by becoming more virtuous people.

As we each strive to imitate our Lord Jesus Christ in our daily lives, please know of our gratitude for your continued support to Sacred Heart Major Seminary. I remain,

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Very Rev. Msgr. Jeffrey M. Monforton
Rector/President