Question Two: On Magnificence

S. Th. II-II, q. 134-135.

921. Magnificence (grootdadigheid) is inadequately distinguished from magnanimity, as a species from a genus. Magnanimity tends to all great things to be done, in every genus, or to the great as virtuous; magnificence tends only to great things able to be made, namely, to great external works as such, for example, it is in splendid temples being built, or colleges, universities, hospitals, monasteries being erected, according to right reason, when the good of the Church or of the fatherland demands this (a. 2, ad 2 and 3). For this great expenses of money are necessary; hence it is a virtue moderating the love of money, lest the great expenses be impeded by which great external works ought to be done (q. 134, a. 3).

Hence 1) its matter is great expenses to be made for great external works, and the love of money to be moderated. Hence according to affection it can be in the poor, not according to effect;

2. its special object is a great work and great expenses proportioned to it: thus it tends to the arduous and therefore is in the irascible appetite; but it falls short of fortitude because the difficulty is lesser, namely, only on account of spending things, not on account of danger of life;

3. it differs from liberality: the latter is concerned with all operations and uses concerning monies; magnificence concerns expenses alone, that is, expenditures, and indeed great ones, for liberality is also concerned with moderate ones (q. 134, a. 1, ad 1; a. 3, ad 2; q. 135, a. 1, ad 3).

922. Two vices are opposed to magnificence:

a) Consumption (profusion), or excessive sumptuousness, when someone makes great expenses in things of little moment (which do not deserve them), more than the dignity of the work demands; and this indeed is irrational, especially if works very necessary for the honor of God and the good of the faithful (or of men) are neglected.

b) Parvificence (mesquinerie), which in great matters wills to make only small expenses, so that the works undertaken remain very unbecoming. This intends first small expenses, while magnificence first regards the great work and consequently the expenses.

Of themselves they are venial sins, unless they withdraw from a grave precept.