heroicity

The proclamation of the heroicity of the virtues of the Venerable Marguerite Bourgeoys was officially made in Rome, 19 June, l910.

The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 11: New Mexico-Philip 1840-1916 1913

Its heroicity arises from the willingness it involves to take upon one's self the dreadful pains of purgatory for the love of one's neighbour, although there remains the reasonable hope that God in His goodness, and the sainted souls in their gratitude, will not allow the punishment to be exacted to the full.

The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 7: Gregory XII-Infallability 1840-1916 1913

The notion of heroicity is derived from hero, originally a warrior, a demigod; hence it connotes a degree of bravery, fame, and distinction which places a man high above his fellows.

The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 7: Gregory XII-Infallability 1840-1916 1913

All or any of these attain the grade of heroicity when practiced with unflagging perseverance, during a long period of time, or under circumstances so trying that by them men of but ordinary perfection would be deterred from acting.

The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 7: Gregory XII-Infallability 1840-1916 1913

Prudence, which enables us to know what to desire or to avoid, attains heroicity when it coincides with the "gift of counsel", i.e. a clear, Divinely aided insight into right and wrong conduct.

The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 7: Gregory XII-Infallability 1840-1916 1913

Some remarks on the "proofs of heroicity" required in the process of beatification will serve to illustrate in detail the general principles exposed above.

The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 7: Gregory XII-Infallability 1840-1916 1913

Benedict XIV, whose chapters on heroic virtue are classical, thus describes heroicity: "In order to be heroic a Christian virtue must enable its owner to perform virtuous actions with uncommon promptitude, ease, and pleasure, from supernatural motives and without human reasoning, with self-abnegation and full control over his natural inclinations."

The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 7: Gregory XII-Infallability 1840-1916 1913

Hope is a firm trust that God will give us eternal life and all the means necessary to obtain it; it attains heroicity when it amounts to unshakeable confidence and security in God's help throughout all the untoward events of life, when it is ready to forsake and sacrifice all other goods in order to obtain the promised felicity of heaven.

The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 7: Gregory XII-Infallability 1840-1916 1913