Chapter II — On the gifts of the Holy Spirit

1. How many and which are the gifts of the Holy Spirit?

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are seven: 1. the gift of Wisdom; 2. of Understanding; 3. of Counsel; 4. of Fortitude; 5. of Knowledge; 6. of Piety; 7. of the Fear of God.

2. Of what use are the gifts of the Holy Spirit?

The gifts of the Holy Spirit serve to establish us in Faith, Hope, and Charity; and to render us ready for the acts of the virtues necessary for attaining the perfection of the Christian life.

3. What is Wisdom?

Wisdom is a gift by which, raising the mind from these earthly and fragile things, we contemplate the eternal, that is, the eternal Truth, who is God, tasting and loving Him, in whom consists our every good.

4. What is Understanding?

Understanding is a gift by which is made easier for us, so far as it is possible for mortal man, the intelligence of the truths of the Faith and the divine mysteries, which by the natural light of our intellect we cannot know.

5. What is Counsel?

Counsel is a gift by which, in the doubts and uncertainties of human life, we know what tends most to the glory of God, to our salvation, and to that of our neighbor.

6. What is Fortitude?

Fortitude is a gift that inspires us with valor and courage to observe faithfully the holy law of God and of the Church, overcoming all the obstacles and assaults of our enemies.

7. What is Knowledge?

Knowledge is a gift by which we judge rightly of created things, and know the way to use them well and to direct them to the last end, which is God.

8. What is Piety?

Piety is a gift by which we venerate and love God and the Saints, and preserve a pious and benevolent soul toward our neighbor for love of God.

9. What is the Fear of God?

The Fear of God is a gift that makes us reverence God and fear to offend His divine Majesty, and turns us away from evil, inciting us to good.