Cultivating Virtues: A Journey of Faith with the Brothers of Ascension
Introduction:
Welcome to the Brothers of Ascension Faith Group, where we embark on a shared journey of spiritual growth and devotion. In our pursuit of holiness, the cultivation of virtues stands as a cornerstone—a pathway to aligning our lives with the teachings of the Catholic Church. Let us explore each virtue and discover a step-by-step guide on nurturing these qualities in our daily lives.
Virtues: Building Blocks of Holiness
1. Faith (CCC 1814-1816):
- Step 1: Embrace the Gift of Faith: Acknowledge the gift of faith as a foundation for virtuous living.
- Step 2: Deepen Understanding: Cultivate a deeper understanding of the teachings of the Church and the Scriptures.
- Step 3: Live Faithfully: Integrate faith into daily actions, decisions, and interactions.
2. Hope (CCC 1817-1821):
- Step 1: Trust in God's Promises: Place trust in God's promises for a brighter future.
- Step 2: Persevere Amid Challenges: Develop resilience in the face of challenges, anchored in the hope of eternal life.
- Step 3: Foster Joy and Optimism: Radiate joy and optimism as a testament to the hope found in Christ.
3. Charity (CCC 1822-1829):
- Step 1: Love God Above All: Cultivate a profound love for God above all else.
- Step 2: Love Your Neighbor: Extend genuine love and compassion to others, reflecting the love of Christ.
- Step 3: Practice Selfless Service: Engage in acts of selfless service, recognizing the inherent dignity of every person.
4. Prudence (CCC 1806):
- Step 1: Develop Sound Judgment: Strive for sound judgment in decision-making.
- Step 2: Seek Wise Counsel: Consult with others, especially those with wisdom and experience.
- Step 3: Act with Discernment: Apply prudence in actions, considering long-term consequences.
5. Justice (CCC 1807-1832):
- Step 1: Uphold Righteousness: Stand for what is right and just in all situations.
- Step 2: Advocate for the Marginalized: Champion the rights of the marginalized and oppressed.
- Step 3: Practice Fairness: Ensure fairness and equity in dealings with others.
6. Fortitude (CCC 1808):
- Step 1: Cultivate Courage: Develop courage in the face of adversity.
- Step 2: Endure Trials with Patience: Persevere through trials with patience and steadfastness.
- Step 3: Stand Firm in Faith: Stand firm in the face of challenges rooted in faith.
7. Temperance (CCC 1809-1832):
- Step 1: Exercise Self-Control: Practice self-control in desires and appetites.
- Step 2: Foster Balance: Strive for balance in all aspects of life, avoiding excess.
- Step 3: Cultivate Healthy Habits: Develop habits that promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Join Us in Virtuous Living:
As Brothers of Ascension, let us commit to the intentional cultivation of virtues, recognizing them as guiding principles on our journey of faith. Together, let's embrace these virtues and embody the transformative power of Christ's teachings in our lives. Join us in this collective pursuit of holiness as we ascend together in faith, hope, and charity.
ACTS OF THE THEOLOGICAL VIRTUES AND OF CONTRITION
Acts of the Theological Virtues and of Contrition A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful, who recite devoutly, according to any legitimate formula, the acts of the theological virtues (faith, hope, charity ) and of contrition. Each act is indulgenced.
ACT OF CONTRITION
O my God, I repent with my whole heart of all my sins, and I detest them, because I have deserved the loss of heaven and the pains of hell, but most of all because I have offended you, infinite Goodness. I firmly purpose with the help of your grace, which I pray you to grant me now and always, to do penance and rather to die than offend you again. I purpose also to receive the holy Sacraments during my life and at my death
ACT OF FAITH
O my God, who are infallible Truth and can neither deceive nor be deceived, I firmly believe all that you have revealed and propose to my belief through your holy Church, because you have revealed it. I believe that you are one in nature and three in Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. I believe that you are the Creator of all things and that you reward the just for all eternity in heaven and punish the wicked for all eternity in hell. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God made man, that he suffered and died for my sins and rose from the dead in glory, and that it is only in him through the Holy Spirit that eternal life is given to men. I believe in fine all that your holy Church believes. I thank you for having called me to the true faith, and I protest that with the help of your grace I will live and die in this holy faith.
ACT OF HOPE
O my God, trusting in your promises and because you are faithful, powerful and merciful, I hope, through the merits of Jesus Christ, for the pardon of my sins, final perseverance and the blessed glory of heaven.
ACT OF LOVE
O my God, because you are infinite goodness and worthy of infinite love, I love you with my whole heart above all things, and for love of you I love my fellow-men as myself.
ACT OF SPIRITUAL COMMUNION
My Jesus, I believe that you are in the Blessed Sacrament. I love you above all things, and I long for you in my soul. Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. As though you have already come, I embrace you and unite myself entirely to you; never permit me to be separated from you.
END OF THE ACTS OF THE THEOLOGICAL VIRTUES AND OF CONTRITION
ACTS OF THE MORAL VIRTUES
PRAYER FOR THE GIFT OF PRUDENCE
Jesus, artful Master of Parables, Your prudence eluded the hypocrites. Your actions were known before creation, Displaying all the wisdom of Your prudence. Eternity must have attended to minutia. Being prudent in Your best interest, You considered all potential consequences, Securing the outcome of Your earthly life. Grant me the prudence to always be cautious And sensitive to the basic needs of others. Jesus, You have shown great foresight; Prudence truly originates from Your Being.
Amen.
PRAYER FOR THE GIFT OF TEMPERANCE
Jesus, You practiced temperance; You were the Model of self-restraint, Never over-indulging in the temporal. My body being the Temple of the Lord, I must treat it with ongoing respect. Self-abuse destroys the body, Be it alcohol, drugs, or excess food. Lord Jesus, bestow fortitude upon me For my soul to control my body, To practice the virtue of temperance. Jesus, You are the source of my vigor. Through You, all is possible!
Amen.
PRAYER FOR THE GIFT OF JUSTICE
Father, you have given all peoples one common origin. It is your will that they be gathered together as one family in yourself. Fill the hearts of mankind with the fire of your love and with the desire to ensure justice for all. By sharing the good things you give us, may we secure equality for all our brothers and sisters throughout the world. May there be an end to division, strife and war. May there be a dawning of a truly human society built on love and peace. We ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord.
Amen.
PRAYER FOR THE GIFT OF FORTITUDE
Dear God, we ask for your grace to work on developing the Cardinal Virtue of Fortitude. Help us to work hard; to never give up, even while knowing it is very human to be tempted to quit. Help us to persevere toward reaching our goals, especially when they seem so far away. Most of all Lord, help us to have courage at all times to be persistent in pursuing our goals with determination. In your name, we pray to grow in fortitude while playing for the glory of God.
Amen.
PRAYER FOR THE GIFT OF HUMILITY
Father God, I repent for my self-reliance. I realize that I cannot walk through life without Your help. I ask for Your beautiful gift of humility to penetrate my heart. I lay down my pride and selfishness, and by Your grace, clothe myself in humility that comes from You. Jesus did not consider equality with You a thing to be grasped and emptied Himself of all privileges, He humbled Himself even to the point of dying on the cross for my sins. I want to reflect selflessness to the world, but for me to do that, I know that I need to walk in humility and put my trust in You alone. Thank You for the gift of Your grace to be humble and prefer others above myself. May You be glorified in all that I say and do. In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
END OF THE ACTS OF THE MORAL VIRTUES