The Lightning Strike That Made a Tau Cross

In this powerful homily, Fr. Miguel shares the memorable story of the night lightning struck the cross atop the Shrine while it was still under construction. Mother Angelica was deeply disappointed on live television — until a brother pointed out that the remaining shape was the Tau cross, the ancient biblical mark of protection from the Book of Ezekiel and a beloved Franciscan symbol.Mother accepted God’s providence and left the cross as it was. Fr. Miguel connects this event to our baptism, when we are marked on the forehead with the Sign of the Cross, belonging forever to Jesus who conquered death. He encourages us never to be ashamed of making the Sign of the Cross and reminds us of the indulgence attached to doing so with reverence.A beautiful reflection on how God can turn even disappointment into a lasting sign of salvation.