Defining Moments May 2007

Faithful [Christifideles]: Broadly understood, all the baptized who have been instructed and admitted to communion within the Church . . . the People of God; sharing in Christ’s priestly, prophetic and royal office, they are called to exercise the mission given by God to the Church of working for the salvation of souls. The faithful are thus obliged to lead a holy life; to promote the growth of the Church, her continual sanctification, and the spread of the Gospel; to obey legitimate ecclesial authority; to provide for the needs of the Church; and to promote social justice.

Fortitude: The cardinal virtue and gift of the Holy Sprit that enables one to attain good even when suffering and effort are needed. It grants the strength to overcome all obstacles in living the Gospel and to avoid temptations.

Freedom: The capacity, free of pressures, to “self-determine” one’s actions. The Church has emphasized the necessity of a person’s freedom and has worked for the protection of that freedom. People can reject God’s grace and gift of eternal life. True freedom recognizes the place of God in life and responds to His invitation to live free from sin and darkness.

Free will: The faculty or capability of making a reasonable choice among several alternatives. Freedom of will underlies the possibility and fact of moral responsibility.

Fruits of the Holy Spirit: The virtues put into action through the inspiration of the Holy Sprit. St. Paul names them: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness and self-control.