Verecondia

VERECONDIA. - From the Latin vereor, from which the other Italian noun "vergogna" (shame) also derives; but between the two derivatives there is a notable difference in meaning that could not have existed in the original Latin verecundia. It is therefore understandable that the latter was defined as: "fear of something base which for that reason can be reproached," that is, "fear of baseness and of reproach" (Summ. Theol., 2a-2ae, q. 144, a. 1).

Consequently, concludes St. Thomas, although it is a praiseworthy passion of some kind, it is by no means a virtue. For it implies the fear of dishonor and of vituperation and is often a consciousness or suspicion of guilt, and it can be felt even by vicious persons who at moments experience confusion over their own shamefulness, even without any true disposition to amend: therefore it must not always be taken in a praiseworthy and good sense, inasmuch as it does not tend directly to avoid sin, but rather to hold it in low esteem, and only indirectly to avoid sin. V., on the other hand, according to the common meaning today, is that sentiment by which one blushes and shrinks from ugly and less than honest things. It approaches modesty (v.) and like it always has a good sense; and like chastity it is a deliberate will, it is the habit of observing the sense of modesty and of conforming one's own conduct to it. A vice, on the contrary, is shamelessness, which is confounded with brazenness.

Giuseppe Pistoni