Own this unique style of the tau cross, (metal) made in Brazil 1 inch high and 1 inch across, which also comes with a knotted cord that symbolize the vows of poverty chastity and obedience. the tau cross also known as the cross of penance.
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THE TAU CROSS AS A FRANCISCAN SYMBOL
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. We have copies of some of his letters in which he made the sign of the Tau in his own hand. On the wall of the little chapel of St. Mary Magdalen at Fonte Colombo the usual design used by the Poverello traced in red is to be found. See: 3 Cel. 3: 828; 3 Cel. 159: 900; LM 2,9: 1347; Fior: 1907
2. The source of Francis' devotion to this sign can be traced to the Bible, especially in Ezechiel 9:4 "Go through the city .... trace the sign of the Tau.. " This passage, often commented upon by the Fathers and a familiar theme of medieval preaching was well known to the faithful. St. Bonaventure in his Legenda Major 4-9:1079 sees the connection between this text from the prophet Ezechiel and the mission of Francis: ..."according to the text of the prophet, in signing the Tau on those men who cry and weep as a sign of their sincere conversion to Christ."
St. Francis adopted the sign of the Tau especially because the very shape of the letter is the same as that of the Cross and so was a reminder to him of his Crucified Lord.
Their patron is often pictured as having a staff surmounted by a Tau and on their habit was sewn the emblem of the Tau. (Info. taken from the T.O.R., I.C. Province webpage)