On August 10, the eve of the feast of St. Clare of Assisi, seven men received the Tau Cross in a ceremony held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Colorado Springs, CO. Surrounded by the Capuchin Franciscans, Jude Quinto, Brendan Denil, Joe Ignowski, Alex Diaz-Gauna, Eric Jordan, Michael Coco, and Nicholas Dillon received the Tau Crosses from Postulant Director, Fr. Bill Kraus, after being blessed by Provincial Minister, Fr. Christopher Popravak. The Tau Cross, named after the Greek letter it resembles, is a form of the Christian Cross symbol. From antiquity the shape of the letter Tau or T was interpreted as representing a crucifix. The Tau was also considered a symbol of salvation due to its identification with the sign in Ezekiel 9:4 which marked the forehead of the elect. The Tau Cross has been used as a symbol of the Franciscan Order from the time of St. Francis, who adopted it as his personal coat of arms after hearing Pope Innocent III speak about its powerful symbolism. The receiving of the Tau Cross marks the official start of the postulancy year. During this time, these seven men will spend time praying in community, learning more about Capuchin Franciscan spirituality, serving the poor in various ministries, and discerning the call to follow Jesus Christ after the manner of St. Francis of Assisi. The Tau ceremony was followed by a reception with friars, postulants and candidates. Please keep these men in your prayers as they continue to discern God's call.