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CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE

The supernatural virtue that moderates the desire for pleasure. It is inspired by faith and motivated by charity. Its purpose is the imitation of Christ and the pursuit of sanctity. Supernatural temperance may call for practices that are more than moderation to the natural man, such as fasting and mortification, or total abstinence and celibacy.

All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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