tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8099099344903100072.post3889524575252162662..comments2024-01-02T10:37:05.641-05:00Comments on A Follower of Francis: Public Witness?A Secular Franciscanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09184259228282290040noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8099099344903100072.post-38199728204781483972010-05-18T12:38:09.992-04:002010-05-18T12:38:09.992-04:00As a recently professed SFO, I'm understandabl...As a recently professed SFO, I'm understandable full of zeal. So, I do things like putting "SFO" after my name in email signatures, hanging a wooden tau in my cubicle at work, etc. I also purchased several tau "lapel pins" online from Franciscan Resources. I wear one as a tie tack every day at the office. I wear another on my outer coat right next to the "Peace" pin-- the latter has in some form or another has been on my coats for 40 years now. I wear my wooden tau and leather neck strap at all things Catholic--mass, etc. I'm very proud of what it stands for and thankful and grateful for the honor of being able to wear one....and talk about it when asked...just like its brother, the peace pin!Jerry-SFOnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8099099344903100072.post-58732018562478400892010-05-06T19:57:56.082-04:002010-05-06T19:57:56.082-04:00I got a Tau as a means of 'feeling more Franci...I got a Tau as a means of 'feeling more Franciscan' and at first I was a little nervous about wearing it, but all the responses I got were positive and the people were genuinely interested. It has actually helped a lot!<br /><br />MichaelAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05947991179800011701noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8099099344903100072.post-5715266351328916052010-05-04T17:35:26.388-04:002010-05-04T17:35:26.388-04:00Thanks. I did decide to to wear it everywhere exce...Thanks. I did decide to to wear it everywhere except work - but keep forgetting to!A Secular Franciscanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09184259228282290040noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8099099344903100072.post-76319681280071960772010-05-04T13:03:40.483-04:002010-05-04T13:03:40.483-04:00We received ours about three months before we prof...We received ours about three months before we professed, and the only time I take it off is in the shower, and at the gym (I sweat a lot.) Otherwise it goes on right after I put on my shirt. For myself, the Tau is my habit, and I wear it, not with pride, (but that's what I'm thinking!) but with a sense of love, a love of the Franciscan lifestyle and the joy it brings me and for the love of Our Lord, who we are imitating and following. I'm able to wear it at work without any hassles, but if you can't wear it out, keep the Cross close to your skin. Sooner or later it will work it's way out. Peace to You! kkamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08248881807382198330noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8099099344903100072.post-72725011549090001112010-05-02T13:08:50.072-04:002010-05-02T13:08:50.072-04:00I was professed in the Bros and Sisters of St. Fra...I was professed in the Bros and Sisters of St. Francis region on Dec 8, 2002. The subject of how to identify ourselves is something we each discern. When my local fraternity brings in new candidates, we are given a triangular shaped pewter medal that has the Franciscan crest etched on it. We will also wear various forms of a wooden Tau. I've always worn the pewter and would get the occasional question. When away from work, I would wear the wooden Tau as well. Over the last year, I've been wearing both visibly at work - no prohibition. I have been striving in my own journey to be less compartmentalized -- I am SFO everywhere that I am -- not just in safe the safe environs of my fraternity and local parish. It will come. I too remember the times I put it on and then took it off again -- placed it back on my dresser and walked out the door. God bless you on your journey. I also blog and my website is linked. We have 3 fraternities in the Archdiocese of Atlanta within the metro Atlanta area. We have joint advertisement in our Georgia Bulletin that is in the classifieds section under "Spirituality." The ad directs those interested to the 3 different parishes and gives the time of monthly meetings. My parish is administered by OFM Conv friars so we are very visible. Peace & All Good.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8099099344903100072.post-61979141985347954832010-05-01T17:51:46.207-04:002010-05-01T17:51:46.207-04:00Thanks.
I also spoke with a member of our locla ...Thanks. <br /><br />I also spoke with a member of our locla group, who said it was up to me (if I was comfortable with it), but a good idea.<br /><br />I can't wear it at work, but elsewhere? Why not!A Secular Franciscanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09184259228282290040noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8099099344903100072.post-60377918829170037032010-05-01T17:49:45.761-04:002010-05-01T17:49:45.761-04:00I always wear mine, Lee. Occasionally sparks an in...I always wear mine, Lee. Occasionally sparks an interesting conversation, often along the lines of "T? What's your name then, Tim? Tom?" Then I get to explain, as best I can, what it stands for, and what being a Tertiary is... I've never had a negative response, but of course one doesn't know what folks are thinking, quietly ;-)Mike Farleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06732248182662167951noreply@blogger.com