Symbols
The Franciscan Tau
Throughout the centuries and all over the world, followers of St Francis use the Tau as one of their symbols. The Tau is an ancient Christian symbol. Some writers trace it back to the prophet Ezekiel, who spoke of the faithful being marked with the sign of the Tau as an indication that they belonged to God: "Go through the city, through Jerusalem…and put a mark on the forehead of those who groan and lament over the abominations practised there…touch no one who bears the mark." (Ezekiel 9:4-6)
Others connect the Tau with the cross of Christ. In Revelation, the Tau signifies God the Father and is related to the name of the Lord. In the Didache, an early Christian work, the Tau denotes the word of God. In a number of ways then, the Tau is connected with 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 Jesus crucified, Francis used the Tau to identify with Jesus. In one instance he signed the Tau on the forehead of a worldly man. That man was converted and joined the Order as Brother Pacificus.The Tau recalls the words dear to St Francis: "For me, I do not wish to take pride in anything except in the cross of Christ Jesus our Lord. Through him the world has been crucified to me and I to the world." (Gal 6:14) Concretely, the Tau is rejection of selfishness and pride. It is joy in serving one’s family and compassion for the poor. In other words, it is Jesus alive in us.
