The Lost Virtue of Manliness w/Fr.James Mason | Ep. 186
Catholic Theology Show
What does it really mean to be a man in a culture that often confuses strength with dominance and softness with compassion? In this episode of The Catholic Theology Show, Michael Dauphinais welcomes Fr. James Mason for a focused discussion on a largely overlooked challenge in priestly formation: the vice of effeminacy. Drawing on his article, “The Forgotten Vice in Seminary Formation,” Fr. Mason explains effeminacy in the Thomistic sense as a lack of fortitude—an undue softness that hinders authentic masculine virtue. He situates this vice within a broader crisis of masculinity, outlining a continuum between healthy masculinity—marked by sacrificial love, perseverance, and responsibility—and its distortions: effeminacy on one side and machismo on the other. The conversation also highlights the complementary vocations of men and women, emphasizing masculine self-sacrifice modeled in Christ. Grounded in Scripture, tradition, and recent Church history, Fr. Mason offers practical ways to cultivate fortitude, including discipline, self-denial, meaningful work, and faithful commitment to one’s duties. Ultimately, the episode presents true manhood not as toughness, but as sacrificial love in service of the Church and the common good. Related Episodes: How to Discern God's Will with the Spiritual Exercises w/Fr. James Mason | Ep. 174 ▶ Help support Ave Maria University and this podcast by joining the Annunciation Circle: https://hubs.li/Q03312J80 ▶ Learn more about Ave Maria University: https://hubs.li/Q032PhpS0 ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ FIND ANSWERS ON SOCIAL: ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE: https://youtube.com/@AveMariaUniversityFL ▶ WEBSITE: https://www.avemaria.edu ▶ INSTA: https://www.instagram.com/avemariauniv/ ▶ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/avemariauniv/ Ave Maria University is committed to providing a liberal arts curriculum based on Catholic principles and thought. We strive to enlighten students intellectually and spiritually, to prepare them for a life well lived.