What Is Virtue Formation?
Virtue formation is the process of becoming the kind of person who habitually chooses the good—and who does so not by accident, but through intention, practice, and the shaping power of community.
At the University of Providence, virtue formation is at the heart of our mission to educate students as whole persons. It involves cultivating moral habits, developing right relationships, and growing into a life of purpose, responsibility, and love.
Virtue isn’t a checklist—it’s a way of life. As Aristotle wrote,
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”
— Nicomachean Ethics, Book II
Drawing on Catholic tradition and modern virtue ethics, we believe:
- Virtue is learned over time, through repeated choices, honest reflection, and the support of community.
- Growth in virtue requires vulnerability—a willingness to be challenged, changed, and forgiven.
- We do not become virtuous alone. As Stanley Hauerwas reminds us
“We become holy by being part of a story and a community that tells us who we are and how to live.”
— The Peaceable Kingdom (1983)
Why Virtue Formation Matters in College
College is one of the most formative seasons of your life. You are making decisions that shape your identity, relationships, and future. But formation doesn’t just “happen”—it takes practice, reflection, and companionship.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds.”
— Romans 12:2
Virtue formation helps you:
- Develop moral clarity and courage in a complex world
- Practice responsibility, empathy, and accountability in relationships
- Resist harmful habits and grow toward wholeness
- Discover how to live a life of faithful service
As James Keenan, SJ explains:
“Virtue is not about perfection. It’s about trying to be good and getting better at it.”
— Virtues for Ordinary Christians (2005)
At the University of Providence, we take that journey seriously—because you are called for more.
Our Approach to Virtue Formation
Inspired by the Catholic moral tradition and shaped by the charism of the Sisters of Providence, our approach emphasizes the development of virtue through practice, community, and faithful narrative.
We form virtue through a threefold process:
1. Habituation
Virtues are not simply taught; they are practiced. Just like you learn a sport or instrument through repetition, you grow in virtue by consistently choosing the good. Aristotle called this habituation—the idea that we become just by doing just acts.
“Train yourself for devotion, for while physical training is of some value, devotion is valuable in every way.”
— 1 Timothy 4:7–8
2. Communal Formation
You become virtuous not in isolation but in community. As Hauerwas notes, “Character is shaped by the practices of the communities we belong to.”
At Providence, virtue is cultivated in every facet of communal life: residence halls, classrooms, teams, and ministries.
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
— Proverbs 27:17
3. Narrative and Identity
You are part of a sacred story. Rooted in the legacy of Blessed Emilie Gamelin and the Sisters of Providence, our community is shaped by a narrative of compassion, justice, and radical hospitality.
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones… compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
— Colossians 3:12
Virtues We Emphasize
At the University of Providence, we emphasize relational virtues—virtues that guide how we live in right relationship with God, others, and ourselves. These virtues come from the Christian tradition and are highlighted by James Keenan, SJ, St. Thomas Aquinas Aquinas, and the lived witness of the Sisters of Providence:
| Mercy | Entering into another’s chaos with compassion; central to Providence spirituality. (Keenan) |
| Fidelity | Faithfulness in relationships, duties, and callings. (Keenan) |
| Justice | Giving others their due with fairness and love. (Aquinas) |
| Self-care | Honoring your own dignity in balance with care for others. (Keenan) |
| Hospitality | Welcoming the stranger as Christ. (Matthew 25:35) |
| Humility | Honest awareness of one’s gifts and limits. (Augustine) |
| Courage | Acting for the good even when it’s hard. (Aquinas) |
| Charity (Love) | The theological virtue that animates all others. (1 Corinthians 13:13) |
“The goal of a virtuous life is to become like God.”
— St. Gregory of Nyssa, On the Beatitudes
Where Virtue Formation Happens
Virtue formation happens everywhere—not just in the classroom.
It is woven throughout student life at UP:
- Residence Life: Daily community living invites moral growth through shared responsibility and conflict resolution.
- Campus Ministry: Prayer, reflection, retreats, and service deepen your moral imagination.
- Student Conduct: Our restorative approach uses moments of harm as opportunities for accountability and learning.
- Leadership Development: Programs help you become a servant leader formed in compassion and courage.
- Curriculum: Many courses encourage critical reflection, ethical inquiry, and applied virtue ethics.
Your Role in the Journey
Virtue formation is not about perfection. It’s about being open to transformation.
“He who created you without you will not save you without you.”
— St. Augustine, Sermon 169
You can begin by:
- Practicing small acts of mercy, honesty, or generosity each day
- Reflecting on your habits and relationships
- Asking yourself: Who am I becoming?
- Seeking feedback and mentorship
- Learning from failure with humility and grace
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
— Matthew 5:16
Further Reading & Resources
- James Keenan, SJ – Virtues for Ordinary Christians
- Stanley Hauerwas – The Peaceable Kingdom
- St. Thomas Aquinas – Summa Theologiae, esp. I-II, Q.55–67
- Aristotle – Nicomachean Ethics, Books I–III
- St. Augustine – Confessions and Sermons
- Scripture – Romans 12:2, Colossians 3:12, Matthew 5:16, Proverbs 27:17, 1 Corinthians 13
- Campus Ministry & Spiritual Life
- Student Leadership & Formation
- The Argo Key: Student Rights & Responsibilities
- Mission Integration & Catholic Identity
- Legacy of the Sisters of Providence
Becoming Who You Are Called to Be
At the University of Providence, we don’t just prepare you for a career—we help you grow into a life of meaning, service, and virtue. Because in a world in need of mercy, justice, and courage, you are called for more.
