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Justice on the other hand, is a cardinal/moral virtue (a basic deed that is in accord with
right reason and for the common good), which gives to God and to man what is their due, what
they are entitled to, what is owed to them, or “what is theirs, not ours” (CCC, 2446). 117
Charity, in contrast, is the infused theological virtue, which inclines man to love God
above all and to love the neighbor as himself, for the sake of God (CCC, 1822, 1844). Also,
charity is more than an edict that obliges man’s conscience; it is also, “the principle and goal of
moral perfection." 118 For charity is God’s “Law of the Gospel;” and His great commandment to
man is to “love one another as He has loved us” (CCC, 1829, 1970; Jn 15:12; 13:34). xlix
A “Deed,” a “Word,” or a “Prayer of Mercy” (Diary, # 742): These can be offered as
almsgiving to a Poor Soul in Purgatory. It is in keeping with the virtue of charity, which is giving
to God and to souls with love, all for His glory; as well as to justice, which gives to man what is
due to him (Diary, # 742). 119 It is also in keeping with the virtue of mercy, which is the “fruit of
charity” (CCC, 1829), and which lives out God’s greatest attribute, as well (Diary, # 949).
(4.3) On Almsgiving for the Poor Souls in Purgatory in Jesus’ Words 120
(Diary, # 1226-1229): Over the years, Jesus communicated to Sr. Faustina His intense
“merciful love” for His people (CCC, 962), His “loving gaze” for them (Diary, # 890); and the
need, as well, for the prayerful supplication for others by holy souls, “in this life and in the next.”
(Diary, # 1209).
And Jesus clearly taught Sr. Faustina, the “Novena to the Divine the Mercy,” which starts
117
Ibid., Hardon, “The Catholic Catechism: Infused Virtues and Gifts,” 193-194; Waldron, Martin
Augustine. "Virtue." The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 15. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1912. 19.
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/15472a.htm (Internet Accessed June 19, 2016), 1-3.
118
Sollier, Joseph. "Love (Theological Virtue)." The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 9. New York: Robert Appleton
Company, 1910 . http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09397a.htm (Internet Accessed June 19, 2016),2.
119
Ibid., Hardon, “The Catholic Catechism: Infused Virtues and Gifts,” 193-194; Waldron, "Virtue." The Catholic
Encyclopedia, Internet, 3-5.
120
Ibid., Faustina, Diary, # 1209, 1226-1229.
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