3/21/2023 0 Comments Tao symbol![]() ![]() In addition to his devotion to the Crib (Greccio) and the Cross (TAU and San Damiano Crucifix), Francis had a great love for the Sacrament of the Eucharist. A Children’s Choir from the local community shares the gift of song. The night is illuminated by candles and the lighting of the campus Christmas tree. Neumann students and staff members create a live Nativity scene complete with animals and a special baby recently born to a member of the Neumann community. ![]() ( The First Life of Saint Francis by Thomas of Celano, 84–86).Įach year, Neumann University recalls the Christmas at Greccio by celebrating the Festival of Lights. According to legend, the Christ Child appeared in Francis’s arms. Brother Thomas of Celano, the first to write a life of Saint Francis in 1229, records a special Christmas celebration at Greccio, Italy where Francis organized a Nativity scene, complete with the townsfolk and live animals. Francis loved to celebrate the feast of Christmas. Greccioįrancis was filled with profound awe whenever he reflected on the Incarnation, the mystery that God became a human person and lived among us. Most High, glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my heart and give me true faith, certain hope, and perfect charity, sense and knowledge, Lord, that I may carry out Your holy and true command. After the Neumann University Baccalaureate Mass, Neumann graduates and their families may choose to receive the San Damiano cross. It is appropriate that the Cross remind us to pray for guidance, using the beautiful prayer of St. Francis also recognized in the San Damiano Cross a reminder that God became human and loved and served us, inviting us to love and serve one another.įollowers of Francis cherish this crucifix as the symbol of their mission from God to rebuild and renew anything that is falling apart - lives, relationships, institutions, communities, and the whole world! At Neumann University we reverence the San Damiano Crucifix which is placed in every room. Gradually he realized that the rebuilding to which he was called was not meant to be a literal reconstruction with stones but rather the rebuilding of human lives, church, and society. During a time of intense prayer Francis heard the words: “Francis! Go repair my house which you see is falling to ruin.” At first Francis took the command literally and began to rebuild churches. This Byzantine crucifix was hanging in the abandoned San Damiano chapel outside Assisi when Francis went there to pray around the year 1206, after his release from prison following his capture in a battle with Perugia. First year students receive a TAU cross as a sign of blessing as they engage in service. It challenges us to live as peacemakers and to promote the healing of all creation. The TAU for Francis and for us is a sign of hope and a reminder of the goodness and love of God. With this sign, Francis recovers a tradition that goes back to the prophet Ezekiel. Thus the TAU becomes for us a symbol of permanent conversion, the seal of the Kingdom of God, a call to the service of others. For Francis, conversion implies a turning toward God and turning to one’s brothers and sisters. Francis used this sign as his personal signature. Because of his affection and devotion to the cross of Christ, St. As a Franciscan symbol, the TAU, resembling the Cross, is a sign of conversion. ![]() This passage describes how persons who had turned away from sin to a life of goodness were saved from destruction. The meaning of the TAU, a letter of the Hebrew and Greek alphabets, is found in the ninth chapter of the prophet Ezekiel. These symbols, rituals, and celebrations reflect Neumann’s unique mission, vision, and culture. Although a relatively young institution, Neumann University has established traditions, many based on its Franciscan heritage. Every community expresses its cherished beliefs through symbols, rituals, and celebrations. ![]()
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