Some virtues will not enter into the door of the Celestial Paradise, inasmuch as they imply some sort of imperfection in the nature of him who possesses them or the circumstances among which he lives. Such are faith, hope, prudence, and so forth. However, one virtue is not only welcome in Heaven, but reigns there supreme. The very atmosphere of Heaven is nothing else than an atmosphere of charity. To the saints and angels, it is the very breath of their life. It is the light that enlightens the celestial city.
When we read that the glory of God enlightens the Heavenly Jerusalem and that the Lamb is the light thereof, Saint John is speaking of that charity with which God has identified Himself and which shone amongst men in Christ our Lord. Each saint in Heaven will shine with a radiance proportioned to his charity, and will enjoy happiness, the extent of which will be commensurate with his charity. When I shall be judged by the standard of charity shall I be found fit for Heaven at all?
Charity is moreover the Queen of Heaven, and therefore may be identified with our Lady, who, next to her Divine Son, was its earthly ideal. This is why she is the Mother of Mercy, and why we fly to her protection in all our troubles. She reigns supreme in Heaven, and her sovereignty is due to her charity. This is why she is the most powerful of all our intercessors, the most loving, the most compassionate, the most tender, and the most full of pity for sinners. To thee then, O Mother of Charity, I will fly, and will beg of thee to obtain for me from thy Divine Son more and more of His unspeakable charity.
- text from Charity, Meditations for a Month by Father Richard Frederick Clarke, SJ