About The Tau

The Franciscan website has a good description of the Tau, which was used by St. Francis in his work. As noted on the site:
Due, no doubt, in large part to Francis' own affection for and devotion to the TAU, it has been a well recognized and accepted Franciscan symbol among Franciscans of various denominations and of all orders within those denominations for centuries. It remains so today. The TAU carries with it all of the symbolism of the Cross of Christ as well as Francis' ideal of life and dream for himself and his followers.

Just before he died ..., Francis stretched out his arms over his brothers in the form of a CROSS and blessed them in the power, and in the name of their crucified Lord. Then he told them, "I have done what was mine to do; may Christ teach you what is yours."

So we consider this symbol of [the] Franciscan life a true expression of the life of St. Francis, as well as a reminder to us of our own Christian call and sincerity of response.
"
This is the Tau symbol. Click the link above for more information about it.

Copyright © 2007 John Gaudreau. All Rights Reserved.