Franciscan Symbols

The TAU Cross

The TAU (19th letter of the Greek Alphabet) has become perhaps the most recognizable symbol in the Franciscan Family but it is worn by many who are not formally linked to Franciscans. Today the TAU cross is very often seen worn around the neck on a thin brown cord with three knots. Visitors to Assisi buy the TAU cross and cord as a memento. The devotion to Francis, the man of peace, has been strengthened by the meetings in Assisi which John Paul II held with religious leaders of every faith.

The early biographies of Francis tell us that he used the TAU very often as an expression of his devotion to the Cross of Jesus.

It was his custom, established by a holy decree also for his first sons, that wherever they saw the likeness of the cross they would give it honor and due reverence. He favoured the sign of the TAU above all others. With it alone he signed letters he sent, and painted it on the walls of cells everywhere. The man of God, Pacifico, seer of heavenly visions, saw with his bodily eyes a great sign of the TAU on the forehead of the blessed father. It was many coloured and flashed with the brightness of gold. (1)

The source of Francis’ devotion can be traced to Ezekiel 9:4.

Go through the whole city of Jerusalem and put a mark on the forehead of everyone who is distressed and troubled because of all the disgusting things being done in the city. (2)

In early translations of this passage the phrase “put a mark on the forehead” is translated “mark a cross on the foreheads of all”. (3)

Francis adopted the sign of the TAU because the very shape of the letter is the same as that of the Cross, and a reminder to him of his crucified Lord. He honoured and embraced it as representing God’s love for us.

Another connection of Francis with the sign of the TAU is his service to the lepers and the Brothers of St Anthony the Hermit who administered the lazarettos. On their habits was sewn the emblem of the TAU, and this reminded Francis of that special moment in his conversion when he embraced the leper. He chose the shape of the TAU for the habit which is still worn by the Friars.

When Pope Innocent III opened the 4th Lateran Council on November 11, 1215, he made a dramatic call for a crusade of Penance and Conversion. Francis was present at this Council, and obedient to the Pope’s call, he signed himself with the TAU of penance.

Throughout his life the TAU remained Francis’ favourite symbol and it is found carved in caves and chapels where he prayed. Painted in red, it is still visible in the Maddelena Chapel at Fonte Colombo in the Rieti Valley. His devotion to it was a reminder to him and his Friars of their vocation to preach penance and conversion to everyone they encountered on their travels.

Maddelena Chapel

References:

1. Thomas of Celano, The Treatise on the Miracles of Saint Francis (1250-1252), Francis of Assisi – Early Documents, Volume II, Edited by Regis J Armstrong OFM et al, 1999, New City Press, New York
2. Good News Bible – Today’s English Version, The Bible Society in Australia, Canberra, 1971
3. The Jerusalem Bible, Standard Version, Darton, Longman and Todd, London, 1966

Return to main Symbols page

To Top of Page

© Missionary Franciscan Sisters, Australian Governance Circle