Franciscan Symbols
Tau Cross
The Tau Cross is an ancient Christian symbol. Some writers trace it back to the Prophet Ezekiel. Ezekiel spoke of people being marked with an "X" or "T" to indicate that they belonged to God.
"Go through the city, through Jerusalem", said the Lord, "and put a mark (T) on the foreheads of those who groan and lament over the abominations practiced there." Then I heard him say to the others: "Follow him through the city and kill...spare no one; ... but touch no one who bears the mark!" Ezekiel 9:4-6
Other research connects the Tau with the cross of Jesus. It is a sign that links the wearer to Jesus. In the book of Revelations the Tau signifies God the Father and is related to the name of the Lord. In the Didache, (An early Christian writing), the Tau means the word of God. In a number of ways, then,, the Tau is connected to the crucifixion and is a symbol of Jesus' willingness to die for us.
St.Francis often used the Tau to sign his name. Dedicated to the crucified Lord, Francis uses the Tau to identify with Jesus. Throughout Franciscan history, the Tau has been a sign of commitment for us. It reminds us of the love that Jesus has for us.
Pope Innocent III reflected the spirit of Francis when he wrote:
"The Tau has exactly the same form as the cross on which Our Lord was crucified on Calvary (T). Only those will be marked with this sign and will obtain mercy who have mortified their flesh and conformed their lives to that of the crucified saviour".
Excerpt from Fr Lester Bach, Catch Me A Rainbow, 1990, p.154
Published by the National Formation Commission of Secular Franciscans, USA. Used with permission.
The Tau Cross is an ancient Christian symbol. Some writers trace it back to the Prophet Ezekiel. Ezekiel spoke of people being marked with an "X" or "T" to indicate that they belonged to God.
"Go through the city, through Jerusalem", said the Lord, "and put a mark (T) on the foreheads of those who groan and lament over the abominations practiced there." Then I heard him say to the others: "Follow him through the city and kill...spare no one; ... but touch no one who bears the mark!" Ezekiel 9:4-6
Other research connects the Tau with the cross of Jesus. It is a sign that links the wearer to Jesus. In the book of Revelations the Tau signifies God the Father and is related to the name of the Lord. In the Didache, (An early Christian writing), the Tau means the word of God. In a number of ways, then,, the Tau is connected to the crucifixion and is a symbol of Jesus' willingness to die for us.
St.Francis often used the Tau to sign his name. Dedicated to the crucified Lord, Francis uses the Tau to identify with Jesus. Throughout Franciscan history, the Tau has been a sign of commitment for us. It reminds us of the love that Jesus has for us.
Pope Innocent III reflected the spirit of Francis when he wrote:
"The Tau has exactly the same form as the cross on which Our Lord was crucified on Calvary (T). Only those will be marked with this sign and will obtain mercy who have mortified their flesh and conformed their lives to that of the crucified saviour".
Excerpt from Fr Lester Bach, Catch Me A Rainbow, 1990, p.154
Published by the National Formation Commission of Secular Franciscans, USA. Used with permission.
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San Damiano Crucifix
When Francis prayed in the chapel of San Damiano in 1205, the crucifix there seemed to speak to him. That crucifix is known as the San Damiano Crucifix. It holds a special spot in our Franciscan heritage. Click here for more... Excerpt from Fr Lester Bach, Catch Me A Rainbow, (1990) p. 41-42. Published by the National Formation Commission of Secular Franciscans, USA. Used with permission. |
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The Portiuncula (St. Mary of the Angels)
In the valley below Assisi, a small chapel used to stand among some oak trees. Hermits from Palestine had built it early in the Christian era. In the 6th century, the land was donated to St. Benedict. It was known as "the Portiuncula" , that is, "the little portion". The chapel was a quiet place of prayer. Click here for more... Excerpt from Fr Lester Bach, Catch Me A Rainbow, (1990) p. 60 . Published by the National Formation Commission of Secular Franciscans, USA. Used with permission. |
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The Christmas Crib— Greccio
In 1223, St. Francis contacted his good friend John who lived in Greccio. "I wish to do something that will recall the memory of the little child who was born in Bethlehem and set before our eyes, in some way, the inconveniences of his infant needs; how he lay in a manger; how with an ox and an ass standing by, he lay upon the hay where he had been placed. " Francis gave John specific directions. John carried out his assignment to the letter. Click here for more... Excerpt from Fr Lester Bach, Catch Me A Rainbow, (1990) p. 106 . Published by the National Formation Commission of Secular Franciscans, USA. Used with permission. |
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