Living virtuously helps in making the toughest decisions

At some point in time, we have all heard the expression that an individual “has a conscience.” Morally speaking, what do we mean when we use the word conscience? More precisely, what is the meaning of a well-formed conscience, and how does one cultivate this?

We are living in a precarious age in which, at one time or another, Christians and people of all faith have had their consciences pricked. We are always looking for the right answer, especially when the question is related to the respect and dignity of every human life!

For example, is abortion always wrong? Is getting the COVID vaccine morally acceptable? Just to clarify, the Catholic Church states that getting the COVID vaccine is morally licit. Each person and/or family must make a prudential decision with an informed conscience and do what’s best for themselves, their families, and the community at large.

How does one cultivate a well-formed conscience so that he or she can tackle these ever-prevailing questions? The answer is quite simple: practice good habits, better known as virtues. We are speaking specifically about the chief moral virtues: prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. These virtues are called moral virtues because by practicing them they dispose us to lead moral and good lives, thus allowing us to treat persons and things in a righteous and just manner — that is, according to God’s will. Though it sounds very accomplishable, living a virtuous life does take a resolute will. Blessed Duns Scotus wrote extensively about a person’s “will” being the dominant factor. Living a virtuous life is a prerequisite if we are going to mimic the saints. Therefore, the practice of moral virtues is indispensable to a well-lived life.

It takes dedication and determination to develop a faithful and persistent prayer life. Quoting the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “In the formation of conscience the word of God is the light for our path; we must assimilate it in faith and in prayer and put into practice.” As the motto of the Benedictine rule states, “Ora et Labora” – pray and work! We must undertake a daily serious effort in praying and working on our moral virtues, especially the virtue of prudence.

It is specifically the virtue of prudence that disposes a person in all circumstances to form right judgements about what we must do or not do. If we are to train our will and shape our character, we need a well-formed conscience. It is precisely the practice of the moral virtues that will leave an indelible sign on our conscience and allow for an unwavering of our just and right decision-making process.

It is the living of a sacrificial and virtuous life that defines our character. A well-formed conscience helps us choose rightly and prepares us for those moments in our lives when we must make those arduous, conscience-pricking decisions.

CHEF NEIL FUSCO is founder of Cucina Antica Foods, Corp.,
a specialty Italian food-products company. Raised on a farm in
San Marzano in southern Italy, he learned his family’s farm production
and cooking. His 2017 cookbook, May Love Be the Main Ingredient at Your Table, presents amusing and heartfelt stories about faith, family,
and recipes from his Old World childhood.

Pumpkin Bowl Soup - Serves 2-4

Ingredients:

• 2 to 4 small baking pumpkins (sugar, peanut, Jack Be Little, New England are good options)
• 25 oz jar of Cucina Antica Tuscany Pumpkin sauce
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh chives, to garnish
• Fresh parsley, to garnish

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Slice off the top of the pumpkin, then scoop out the seeds and pulp. Bake pumpkins until the outside begins to soften and brown (about 40 minutes). Remove from oven and set aside.
In a large saucepan, combine Tuscany Pumpkin sauce and heavy cream. Simmer for five minutes over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent clumping.

Add red bell pepper, salt, and pepper, and cook for another three minutes. Remove from heat and ladle into warm pumpkin bowls. Garnish with fresh chives and parsley.