Franciscan Cincture (in Burlap Bag)

From Diakonia of the
Desert Community
FRANCISCAN CINCTURE
(in burlap bag)

The cincture is a sign of chastity, and has been since the Church's beginning -- and before. Old Testament priests wore cinctures, as do consecrated virgins and religious, and their wearing in honor of a particular saint is ancient, first spoken of in the life of St. Monica, the mother of St. Augustine, and carried on by St. Dominic, who wore the cincture in honor of St. Francis of Assisi. Certain Confraternities and Archconfraternities (groups of faithful to a religious cause) also wear cinctures as signs of their affiliation and chastity.

Franciscans wear a white cincture around the waist called a 'cintura bianca' which translated means 'white rope.' The three knots represent Poverty, Chastity and Obedience, the three cornerstones of the Franciscan Order. This cincture can be worn unobtrusively inside trousers or under a dress as a private devotion.

Rope is about 3/8" in diameter and made with durable, easy-to-clean synthetic materials. Available in one large size (maximum circumference about 55") which can be shortened. 

Monastery Info: 

Diakonia of the Desert Community: Bullhead City, Arizona

Diakonia of the Desert is an ecumenical group in ministry to the disenfranchised, victims of abuse, and the otherwise needy, as well as being advocates for social justice, charity, and peace; their principles and practices resemble those of the Taizé Community in France.

Members vary in background, talents, and training. They work as volunteers and, in effect, sojourners who receive only basic subsistence when living at the Community.

Most are contemplatives, participating in prayerful and liturgical activities according to the traditions of their individually avowed confessions.

Their Spiritual Crafts Workshop produces a variety of spiritual symbols handcrafted using heirloom-quality woods, metals, ceramics, gems, etc. The Workshop provides free training, gainful and secure employment, and artisan-ownership for persons suffering from joblessness, abuse, poverty, or hopelessness.