Today marks a momentous occasion for the Capuchin Franciscan Friars, as we celebrate both the 800th anniversary of the stigmata of our Holy Father, Saint Francis of Assisi, and the reception of the Tau Cross by four postulants. This deeply symbolic act marks their official entry into our brotherhood and their commitment to living out the Franciscan way of life.
In a solemn ceremony, Benjamin, Daniel, Joel, and Hunter stepped forward to receive the Tau, a sign of their dedication and the beginning of their journey as Capuchin Franciscan friars. The Tau cross, an ancient Franciscan symbol, was blessed at the tombs of St. Francis and St. Clare in Assisi, carrying with it the weight of our tradition and the blessings of our forefathers in faith.
The reception of the Tau was accompanied by these words:
“Benjamin, Daniel, Joel, and Hunter, on behalf of our brotherhood of Capuchin Friars Minor and on the part of the Church, I accept your request and welcome you most cordially into our midst. I ask you to come forward to receive the sign of your commitment and ours, these Tau crosses blessed at the tombs of St. Francis and St. Clare. May God give you the strength to bear the Cross of Christ with joy.”
For Francis, the Tau symbolized the very essence of his mission—to live out the Gospel in simplicity, humility, and devotion to God. By receiving this same symbol today, our postulants pledge to follow in Francis’ footsteps, embracing a life of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
This ceremony holds even deeper significance as it coincides with the 800th anniversary of St. Francis receiving the stigmata, the wounds of Christ. Just as Francis bore the visible signs of Christ’s suffering, our postulants are now called to carry their own crosses with faith and joy, imitating the radical love and humility of our founder.
As we witness these postulants embrace the Tau, we are reminded of the ongoing call to conversion and the invitation to live a life of service, peace, and fraternity. We ask for your prayers for Benjamin, Daniel, Joel, and Hunter as they continue their journey toward becoming Capuchin Franciscan friars. May God grant them the grace to live out their vocation with courage and fidelity, bearing witness to the Gospel in all that they do.
Pax et Bonum!
