TIFFIN—A day of reflection on the San Damiano cross is being offered by the Tiffin Franciscan Sisters. The program is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 14.

Tiffin Franciscan Sister Roberta Doneth displays a San Damiano cross. (Photo courtesy of Sisters of St. Francis of Tiffin)

“The San Damiano cross is the cross of the glorified Jesus,” says Tiffin Franciscan Sister Roberta Doneth, director of the St. Francis Spirituality Center. “It tells the story of the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus. It is also a Franciscan icon because it is the cross Clare and Francis prayed in front of.”

Sr. Doneth is to present teachings about the cross, including the images it contains, which come from the Gospel of John. “Many people couldn’t read and write back when the cross was created, so it was used as a catechism,” she explains.

The church of San Damiano in Assisi was where St. Clare and the order of sisters she founded established their monastery. The church was named after St. Damian, who was a physician and healer.

A blessing of San Damiano crosses Sr. Doneth purchased while in Assisi is to take place at the end of the day. The crosses were donated by Mary Cate Roberts in memory of her brother Tim Hayes and will be placed in the St. Francis Spirituality Center.

The day includes quiet time for reflection.

Reservations, $25 each, may be made by contacting Martie Aiello at maiello@tiffinfranciscans.org or 419-443-1485.