Moral excellence that is surprising! (8)
I believe the answer is:
goodness
I believe this clue is a double definition.
'moral excellence' is the first definition.
(being morally good)
'that is surprising' is the second definition.
('goodness' is an expression of surprise)
(Other definitions for goodness that I've seen before include "Virtue, righteousness" , "merit" , "Moral excellence" , "Morality, generosity, kindness" , "Virtue; excellence" .)