“Per recompensationem beneficiorum amicitia conservatur”

Summa theologiae IIa-IIae q. 106, a. 2

Friendship, observes Aquinas, is preserved by the acknowledgment of a favor received. First of all, I would like to express my appreciation to the governing board of L’ Associazione Manuali di Teologia Cattolica (AMATECA) for the kind invitation to participate in this important theological project. Special gratitude goes to Mr John Janaro and Mrs Lisa Lickona for providing helpful observations about the manuscript, and to Mrs Susan Needham for her gracious assistance in preparing the English edition. For introducing this study of the virtues with his intelligently lithe prose, I am happy to acknowledge my indebtedness to Jesuit Father John McIntyre. And by dedicating this book to Father Thomas Dominic Rover, I want above all to recognize with profound gratitude the Dominican brother who first instructed me about truth and friendship.