We concluded the previous chapter with a discussion of how the cardinal virtues are attained. There we said that the virtues are acquired through acting virtuously. In this chapter, we explore another kind of virtue, the virtues infused by grace. These virtues are not earned through human effort but are given to us by God. However, in much the same way revealed morality does not contravene the natural law but rather perfects it, grace perfects the cardinal virtues. By grace, the cardinal virtues are directed to the beatific vision and thus elevated to a higher level. Along with infused versions of the cardinal virtues, God also infuses the soul with the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love. The purpose of this chapter is to explore these virtues of grace.

This chapter develops over six sections. The first section begins where the previous chapter left off, with an analysis of how the virtues of grace are attained. Although infused directly into the soul by God, this does not negate the role of human action in the formation of these virtues. Second, we analyze the infused versions of the cardinal virtues through an examination of “the little way” of St. Thérè se of Lisieux. The next three sections treat the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love respectively. does primarily through reference to one of the four Constitutions of the Second Vatican Council, Gaudium et spes.