Heroic virtue isn’t just for the martyrs—it’s for all the faithful. The key to living heroic virtue is *holy detachment.* But holy detachment is not about emptiness or nothingness. It’s actually about being filled up! Listen to learn more of what holy detachment is, isn’t, and why it goes hand-in-hand with heroic virtue. Plus, Richaél Lucero will explain how to practice holy detachment.

SHOW NOTES

Episodes referenced

quotes referenced

Definition of heroic virtue

The performance of extraordinary virtuous actions with readiness and over a period of time. The moral virtues are exercised with ease, while faith, hope, and charity are practiced to an eminent degree. The presence of such virtues is required by the Church as the first step toward canonization. The person who has practiced heroic virtue is declared to be Venerable, and is called a “Servant of God.”

Catholic Dictionary, Heroic Virtue, catholicculture.org

Catechism mention of heroic virtue. Regarding the canonization of the saints.

By canonizing some of the faithful, i.e., by solemnly proclaiming that they practiced heroic virtue and lived in fidelity to God’s grace, the Church recognizes the power of the Spirit of holiness within her and sustains the hope of believers by proposing the saints to them as models and intercessors

Catechism of the Catholic Church, 828

What constituted heroic virtue outside of martyrdom.

“… all confessors whose virtues and good works greatly outdistanced those of ordinary good people.”

Catholic Encyclopedia, Heroic Virtue

Aquinas makes *virtues of the purified soul* (heroic virtue) sound impossible.

“This degree of perfection belongs to the blessed in heaven or the few of the most perfect in this life.”

St. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologiae, First Part of the Second Part, Question 61, Article 4

scriptures referenced

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us,

Hebrews 12:1

But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to abuse and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion on the prisoners, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that you may do the will of God and receive what is promised.

Hebrews 10:32-34