APB, BOLO, ATF - A Franciscan Symbol: The Tau

All Points Bulletin! Be on the Lookout! Attempt to Find!

A member of our fraternity has a copy of this book and loaned it to me to read.

A Franciscan Symbol: The Tau

This a great little book on the Tau Cross. The author is Damien Vorreaux, OFM. It was translated from French to English by Sr. Marilyn Archer, OSF and Paul Lachance, OFM.  It was published in 1979 by Franciscan Herald Press in Chicago.

If you find this book online or in a used bookstore, add it to your collection. Another member of our fraternity found it online, told me about it and I ordered it.

Francis of Assisi - Early Docment - Digital Edition

I was doing some research on Franciscan Spirituality and discovered a website maintained by the Center for Digital Theology at Saint Louis University that has a digital version of Francis of Assisi - Early Documents. Check it out. It might come in handy sometime. Sure beats lugging that three volume set around.

What's The Difference

Community service is great. Everybody can do it. Everyone does. However, what is the difference between an atheist, agnostic, Protestant, Catholic, and a Secular Franciscan (a Franciscan Catholic) performing community service? How do you tell the difference?

Unless there is some outward sign, you can't tell the difference. What to do? A Secular Franciscan could wear their Tau Cross and offer to lead everyone in prayer before and after performing community service.

Ken Ogorek, the director of catechesis for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, wrote these two prayers for parents performing community service with the teenagers. The prayers could be used with adults, too. Modify and use the prayers as you see fit.

And, at the end of each prayer, add these words: "Saint Francis and Saint Clare pray for us."

That's how you can tell the difference.

Putting On and Taking Off Your Tau Cross

Sr. Agnes Marie Regan, OSF visited our fraternity last month. It was an official visit, but it is always good to see her. She arrived early and was able to participate in the formation session that occurs before we gather as a fraternity.

During the formation session she mentioned that every morning she puts on her Tau Cross and asks the Holy Spirit to help her be a better Franciscan. At the end of the day, she takes off her Tau Cross and reflect on how well she did. She does this every day.

I am going to try it.

Unity Day - August 8, 2015

Here is the agenda for Unity Day, the annual regional gathering of Secular Franciscans. It is a good time. It is great to see so many of us gathered together in one place.

August 8, 2015
St. Joan of Arc, Kokomo, Indiana

10:00 Mass in the worship space – for the intention of National Minister Deacon Tom Bello, OFS, who has been diagnosed with cancer.
11:00 – Lower level - welcoming, visiting, announcements, etc.
12:00 – Lunch
1:15 – San Damiano Crucifix: Icon of Franciscan Prayer – Sr. Agnes Marie
2:15 – Break
2:30 – Annual Memorial Service
3:00 – Ongoing Formation