Sanctifying Truth

11 Preface justice, and fortitude, as well as the other virtues as- sociated with temperance. Certainly, moral virtue in general remains necessary for the Christian who wishes to observe a contemplative pace through- out life. Indeed, humility occupies a foundational role in the development of the Christian virtues, even though this virtue falls among the least of the cardinal moral virtues. Contemplation brings both an ardent devotion toward and a deepened understanding of the mysteries of the Christian re- ligion. The more one grows in simplicity of spirit, the better he or she is disposed to receive this grace of sanctifying truth. This book appears in the fiftieth year of my priest- ly ordination, which occurred on 27 May 1971. From the day on which, a few years before my ordination, I received the same black and white habit that Thomas Aquinas wore, this saintly older brother in the Order of Saint Dominic has been for me a source of both intellectual and spiritual nourishment. I therefore gratefully acknowledge those Dominicans as well as many good lay people who have fostered my love for and understanding of Saint Thomas Aquinas.