TAU CROSS

Last weekend, one of our junior high students noticed the unique vestment I wore for the Feast of St. Clare. I wear it for various feasts of Franciscan saints since it has a beautiful, gold Tau Cross stitched onto the front, a symbol often associated with Francis and Clare. Be sure and stop by and see our beautifully carved Tau Cross made in Assisi from an old olive tree. The Tau Cross is now hanging in our St. Clare devotional chapel (located next to our baptismal font). 

A brief history of this unique cross: 
Tau is the last letter of the Hebrew alphabet and is thought to be the symbol with which Ezekiel marked those chosen by God (Ez 9:4). Pope Innocent III opened the Fourth Lateran Council in 1215 (which was very important to St. Francis) with a homily on this Scripture passage, and the pope encouraged use of this cross shape for anyone making a conversion or going on a pilgrimage. 

St. Francis of Assisi eventually signed his letters not with his name but with this symbol. It represents a journey never completed this side of heaven. The Tau reminds us of St. Francis’ saying, “Let us begin again.” The shape, which looks more like the letter “T,” is most likely the standard form of Roman crucifixion that Jesus went through. The vertical member was already mounted at the place of execution, while the horizontal member was carried by the victim from the place of judgment to that of their execution. 

Locally, you will see the Tau Cross symbol on the side of our St. Elizabeth Catholic Hospital since the hospital was founded by Franciscan Sisters and still upholds the Sisters’ Mission of Catholic healthcare. 

St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us! 
Fr. Jim Deiters