SFO Symbols and Instruments of the Order
The symbols of the Secular Franciscan Order remind us of our Franciscan identity, our relationship with Christ, and our commitment to live the Gospel in the spirit of St. Francis and Saint Clare.
Tau Cross
The Tau Cross is the traditional Franciscan symbol. Its shape resembles the Greek letter Tau (T) and recalls the cross of Christ. St. Francis had a deep devotion to the Tau, using it as a sign of conversion, penance and dedication for Christ. For the Secular Franciscans, the Tau can serve as a reminder to follow Christ by living the Gospel in daily life.
San Damiano Cross
The San Damiano Cross is an ancient Byzantine-style icon of Christ crucified that became deeply significant in the life of St. Francis. While before the cross at the small church of San Damiano, Francis heard Christ say, “Francis, go and repair my house, which, you can see is all being destroyed.” For Secular Franciscan, the Cross recall Christ’s call to conversion, renewal and faithful service.
Liturgy of the Hours (Breviary)
The Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Breviary, is the official prayer of the Church that sanctifies the hours of the day through psalms, Scripture, and prayer. Secular Franciscans are encouraged to unite themselves with the prayer of the Church through the Liturgy of the Hours, especially Morning and Evening Prayer. It is a beautiful way of keeping God at the center of daily life and joining our prayer with that of the Church throughout the world.
Franciscan Coat of Arms (the “Conformity”)
The Franciscan Coat of Arms, often call the “Conformity,” depicts the crossed arms of Christ and St. Francis, with the wounds of the stigmata. The image expresses St. Francis’ profound conformity to Christ and his desire to follow Christ so completely that his life reflected the love and sacrifice of the Crucified Lord. For Secular Franciscans, the Conformity is a reminder our our vocation to pattern our lives after Christ, following the example of St. Francis and living the Gospel in our daily lives.
Franciscan Crown Rosary
The Franciscan Crown Rosary, also know as the Seraphic Rosary, is a seven-decade devotion honoring the Seven Joys of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Each decade consists of ten Hail Mary’s, with a mystery bead marking each of the seven joys. The Crown is a cherished Franciscan devotion that invites us to contemplate the joyful mysteries of Mary’s life and her closenes to Christ. For Secular Franciscans, praying the Crown can deepen our love for Mary and strengthen our desire to follow Christ in the spirit of St. Francis.
At the Rite of Profession, these Franciscan symbols are blessed and presented to the newly professed member as visible signs of the Franciscan vocation and as spiritual tools for the lifelong journey of conversion and transformation. The Tau Cross, San Damiano Cross, Liturgy of the Hours, Franciscan Coat of Arms, and Franciscan Crown Rosary serve as reminders of our commitment to follow Christ in the spirit of St. Francis and to live the Gospel faithfully each day.