Franciscan Tau

[Monkciate]

I’m not part of any of the three Franciscan orders, however my love and appreciation for the life and writings of St. Francis has been growing incrementally. I was wondering if it is appropriate and okay for me to wear a Franciscan Tau necklace even though I’m not part of any of the orders? I currently wear a Benedictine Crucifix, which I’m reluctant to take off – but, as I said, I was hoping I might remind myself of a commitment to the spirit of St. Francis by wearing the Tau.

 

[Pray4Life]

Anyone may wear the tau. I wear one myself, although I am still in the discernment stage of joining the SFO.

I would suggest avoiding tau crosses that have the St. Francis seal on them (his arm crossed with Christ’s over the tau) as these are specifically used by professed SFO members and could be misleading. Plain taus are the better choice for a private devotion (in my own opinion, that is not anything official!) God bless you, and please be sure to check out the Franciscan Spirituality social group as well as this no longer active (but extremely informational!) thread, Franciscan Mysticism and Spirituality.

 

[albertziggy]

I’m not part of any of the three Franciscan orders, however my love and appreciation for the life and writings of St. Francis has been growing incrementally. I was wondering if it is appropriate and okay for me to wear a Franciscan Tau necklace even though I’m not part of any of the orders? I currently wear a Benedictine Crucifix, which I’m reluctant to take off – but, as I said, I was hoping I might remind myself of a commitment to the spirit of St. Francis by wearing the Tau.

Hi:

I am a candidate/novice from the Secular Franciscan Order and I wear the TAU daily as a habit of my order. The TAU bears a very deep meaning to us Franciscans and I suggest that you read about it. Who knows, you might have a vocation to be Franciscan, secular or regular. I tell you, being a Franciscan is very rewarding to me!

In Christ,

albertziggy