From The Paradise of the Soul
A Treasury of Christian Character
For centuries, the saints have understood that virtue is not merely about avoiding sin — it's about becoming fully alive, fully human, fully the person God designed you to be. These 42 virtues reveal the landscape of a soul flourishing in grace.
These virtues come from The Paradise of the Soul, a spiritual classic by St. Albert the Great (Albertus Magnus), the great 13th-century Doctor of the Church and teacher of St. Thomas Aquinas. His wisdom offers us a map for the interior life — showing us not just who we should be, but who we already are in Christ.
The theological virtue by which we believe in God and all He has revealed, trusting completely in His word.
The theological virtue by which we desire and confidently expect eternal life and the grace needed to attain it.
The foundation of all Christian life, whereby we love God above all things and our neighbor as ourselves, seeking the eternal good of souls.
The mother of virtues that guides right judgment, enabling us to choose fitting means to achieve good ends and avoid evil.
The virtue that renders to God and neighbor what is due, maintaining right order in all relationships and obligations.
Spiritual strength that enables the soul to undertake and endure difficult tasks for God without yielding to fear or adversity.
The guardian of all virtues that moderates our inclinations and pleasures, keeping us from excess in temporal goods.
True humility fears receiving glory and contemns it when given, always preferring to be unknown rather than celebrated.
The virtue by which we submit our will to God and His representatives, dying to self-will and embracing divine providence.
Voluntary poverty of spirit that liberates the soul from attachment to created things, making room for God alone.
The angelic virtue that keeps the soul pure and undivided, directing all love toward God and spiritual goods.
Temperance in food and drink that keeps the body subject to the spirit and maintains clarity of mind for divine contemplation.
The practice of dying to self through voluntary self-denial, subduing the flesh to liberate the spirit.
Holy sorrow for sin that arises from love of God, grieving that we have offended infinite goodness and wounded others.
Perfect sorrow for sin arising from love of God, grieving that one has offended the Supreme Good.
The virtue of openly acknowledging one's sins and faults before God, leading to healing and restoration.
The virtue of making satisfaction for sins through prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and willingly accepted suffering.
The virtue of suffering with others, moved by their misery to alleviate their distress through works of mercy.
The virtue by which we are moved with pity for another's distress and seek to relieve it, imitating God's infinite mercy.
The tranquility of order that arises from union with God, bringing serenity to the soul and harmony to relationships.
Unity of hearts and minds that binds people together in mutual goodwill, reflecting the unity of the Blessed Trinity.
Gentleness of spirit that moderates anger and maintains tranquility in the face of injury, following Christ's example.
Proper use of material goods, giving freely without attachment while avoiding both miserliness and prodigality.
The virtue of recognizing benefits received and making due acknowledgment and return for them.
The virtue of rejoicing with those who rejoice, sharing in the happiness of others without envy or resentment.
Ardent desire for the salvation of souls, moved by charity to seek the eternal good of all people.
The virtue that disposes us to give God the worship and honor proper to Him, expressed through prayer, sacrifice, and sacred observance.
Filial fear that reverences God's greatness and dreads offending Him, the beginning of wisdom and foundation of devotion.
The virtue that guards the tongue and creates space for contemplation, speaking only what is necessary and good.
The grace of withdrawing from external distractions to commune with God in the hidden sanctuary of the heart.
The loving gaze upon divine truth, resting in God's presence and perceiving spiritual realities with the eyes of the soul.
The strength to bear adversity, tribulation, and injury with tranquility of spirit, knowing that all comes from God's hand.
Firmness of spirit that maintains virtue in the face of changing circumstances and ongoing challenges.
Steadfast continuance in good, remaining constant in virtue despite trials, temptations, and the passage of time.
The virtue of conforming one's words and deeds to reality, manifesting oneself truthfully to others.
The virtue of being single in intention and transparent in action, without guile or divided heart.
The virtue of right judgment that enables one to distinguish between good and evil, appropriate and inappropriate.
Spiritual adulthood that transcends beginners' ways, marked by wisdom, stability, and depth in the spiritual life.
The spiritual gladness that arises from union with God and the contemplation of divine goodness, even amid trials.
Spiritual freedom that comes from detachment, liberating the soul from bondage to sin and created things.
Filial trust in God's goodness and providence, approaching Him with the confidence of beloved children.
Holy indifference to worldly honors and goods, valuing eternal treasures above temporal vanities.
These 42 virtues are just one facet of how God fearfully and wonderfully made you. The free 3-Day Prelude will guide you deeper into your identity as His beloved daughter.
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