Tau Cross Olive Wood Bookmark with Blessing

Tau Cross Bookmark with Prayer

7" High

This olive wood bookmark features a Tau cross at the top and has an image of St. Francis and "Assisi" at the bottom.  The prayer reads: The Lord bless thee and keep thee, Show his face to thee and have mercy on thee.  Turn his countenance to thee and give thee peace.

The Tau is an ancient representation of the cross.  It is also the last letter of the Hebrew alphabet and is thought to be the sign with which Ezekiel marked those chosen by God (Ex 9:4). St. Francis loved the meaning of the Tau so much he signed his letters with this symbol.  When a Franciscan friar wears a habit and stands with his hands outstretched, he becomes a Tau, a living Tau.  The Tau is designated as the distinctive sign of the Franciscan Order.

Made in Assisi.