E-Tau is a new web-site being launched by a group of Franciscan Friars Minor from Malta. The idea is that of continuing to build upon the effort started by the same friars back in 1997, when the Franciscan Province of Malta was among the first in the Order of Friars Minor to have its own web-site, as a result of the expertise of Fr. John Abela OFM, who has been web-master at the General Curia of the Order of Friars Minor during these last 12 years.

The name e-tau means "Electronic Tau". The Tau is the last letter of the Hebrew alphabet and is mentioned in the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel 9:4. For Christians it is a Biblical symbol, representing the cross of Jesus Christ. Saint Francis of Assisi (1182-1226) used the Tau as his particular mark and signature.

In 1982, during the 800 anniversary of the birth of Saint Francis, the Maltese Franciscans launched "Edizzjoni Tau" (Tau Edition), in order to publish books and reviews dealing with Holy Scripture and the Holy Land Custody, as well as with Franciscan Studies. The founder of "Edizzjoni Tau" was Fr. Raymond Camilleri OFM.

Among the various publications the Franciscans have been publishing regularly two reviews. "L-Art Imqaddsa" (The Holy Land) is published by the Commissariat of the Holy Land, with the aim of providing articles on biblical themes linked with the Franciscan presence in the Holy Land. "Spirtu u Hajja" (Spirit and Life) is a review on Franciscan culture, published by Fr. Noel Muscat OFM. As from January 2008 "Spirtu u Hajja" has been published in English, and posted regularly on the website of the Maltese Franciscan Province.

This first step at providing the issue of the Franciscan review on line has encouraged us in our idea of eventually creating a web-site in which both "L-Art Imqaddsa" and "Spirtu u Hajja", as well as other Franciscan publications, can be posted on line. Hence the name e-tau, or Electronic Tau.

At this initial stage this web-site will feature the section on Franciscan Studies, which falls under the direct responsibility of Fr. Noel Muscat OFM.

Although we have built an independent site, we intend to continue to link it with the official website of the Maltese Franciscan Province (ofm.org.mt), as well as with other Franciscan websites.