 | This article relies largely or entirely on a single source. (April 2024) |
Heroic virtue is the translation of a phrase coined by Augustine of Hippo to describe the virtue of early Christian martyrs. The phrase is used by the Roman Catholic Church.
The Greek pagan term hero described a person with possibly superhuman abilities and great goodness. "[I]t connotes a degree of bravery, fame, and distinction which places a man high above his fellows".[1] The term was later applied to other highly virtuous people who do extraordinary good works.
- ^ Wilhelm, J. (1913). "Heroic Virtue". In Herbermann, Charles G.; et al. (eds.). The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 7. New York: The Encyclopedia Press. pp. 292–293.