Tattoo of Our Lady

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Warning: Not doctrine. Just my two cents

Here’s the way I look at it: If we as Catholics know that God created us in His own image, and our bodies just the way he wanted them to be, why would a tattoo of the Blessed Virgin Mary be honoring her? To me this would be implying that although we are grateful for our bodies, we want to honor Mary by altering what her Creator made, as if we could make it better. A tattoo IMO would bring more attention to yourself than to Mary. Mary is not so concerned with the things of this world as she is concerned about the sacraments, prayer, virtue, etc. If you want to honor Mary, then continue to do these things. If you want to make a statement publicly of your devotion to her, then I think she might appreciate you saying a rosary in public more than a tattoo. 😃
 
UndertheRadar said:
Warning: Not doctrine. Just my two cents

Here’s the way I look at it: If we as Catholics know that God created us in His own image, and our bodies just the way he wanted them to be, why would a tattoo of the Blessed Virgin Mary be honoring her? To me this would be implying that although we are grateful for our bodies, we want to honor Mary by altering what her Creator made, as if we could make it better. A tattoo IMO would bring more attention to yourself than to Mary. Mary is not so concerned with the things of this world as she is concerned about the sacraments, prayer, virtue, etc. If you want to honor Mary, then continue to do these things. If you want to make a statement publicly of your devotion to her, then I think she might appreciate you saying a rosary in public more than a tattoo. 😃
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My experience as a young Catholic - a long, long time ago - was that most priests disapproved of tattooing, for the reasons you stated; it is a misuse of the body, the temple of the Holy Spirit.

There is also, of course, a strong Freudian element.
 
I dont know where you might live or travel to in the future but one thing to keep in mind is in some countries (such as Japan) tattoos are not widely accepted. It doesnt matter what that tattoo is of it could be anything or anyone it doenst matter as some businesses such as gyms, pools etc have a no tattoos of any kind policy. So the social acceptability of your tattoo is something to keep in mind if you plan on living or traveling overseas.

Another thought is rather far fetched but something to think about. We live in peace right now but what if someday persecution of Christians returns? An obviously Chrsitian tattoo could get you killed.

My :twocents:
 
UndertheRadar said:
Warning: Not doctrine. Just my two cents

Here’s the way I look at it: If we as Catholics know that God created us in His own image, and our bodies just the way he wanted them to be, why would a tattoo of the Blessed Virgin Mary be honoring her? To me this would be implying that although we are grateful for our bodies, we want to honor Mary by altering what her Creator made, as if we could make it better. A tattoo IMO would bring more attention to yourself than to Mary. Mary is not so concerned with the things of this world as she is concerned about the sacraments, prayer, virtue, etc. If you want to honor Mary, then continue to do these things. If you want to make a statement publicly of your devotion to her, then I think she might appreciate you saying a rosary in public more than a tattoo. 😃
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I agree with this post, as well. In addition, I don’t believe it shows the respect due her. It turns her image into something more akin to a brand insignia–a commericialization of the sacred.
 
If you do this, remember your body is a temple. Whatever you do to your body, is how you feel about the gift he gave you.
I wonder if God would ask why we feel the need to decorate the skin -as if he did not do a good enough job or something?:confused:
 
I personally don’t see a whole lot wrong with getting tattoos. I am getting a seagull and some stars (each star represents someone I love) soon, and in the future I want to get an Auspice Maria or a cross with an M under it, like in JPII’s coat of arms. I think if tattoos help us to remember something that God is pleased with, they are okay, provided they do not take away from our witness as Christ’s Body on earth–this could vary depending on the person. I think it could even be a useful conversation opener when dealing with curious people.

The only things I am a little concerned about are 1) making sure this money should not be going toward something else (but for me, these tattoos will all be quite small and relatively inexpensive) like a charity or to my parish, and 2) the tattoo becoming an object of vanity, rather than something I want to remind me of the people and the God I love.
 
I see nothing wrong with it. In fact, I’d say I’m for it.

If you are doing it to honor the Blessed Mother and perhaps having her image as close as a tattoo that you can see all the time is a comfort to you then I think that is fine.

Amie
 
Make sure you find a good specialist, a real artist skilful and experienced. Because, apparently, an ugly tattoo is always bad however pious your intention and sincere your devotion. Make sure it looks as fine as on the link.
 
This would be my first post here, as I recently decided to convert to Catholicism after a lifetime as a Protestant. The Protestant Church overall was more against my tattoos than it seems the Catholic Church is.

I have nearly full tattooed sleeves, and all of them with Biblical inspiration … Scriptures, symbols denoting the 12 Tribes of Israel, a Lion, Lamb, and Dove representing the Trinity, a Sacred Heart, etc.

I see it like this … Scripture says to honor God with our bodies, which I sincerely believe I am doing. When I was Protestant, my heart was still for Christ, and I can tell you of many situations where the tattoo has initiated a conversation about God or Scripture that may not have otherwise taken place.

There is extensive artwork in the Catholic Churches, I’ve noticed. Someone said something to the effect of not being satisfied with how God made us … we might as well have only 4 plain walls and nothing else … no beauty, no glory.

Our Father is a Creator, and in many ways we reflect that same nature. As long as what you are doing is glorifying to Him and not being done to exalt self, I can see nothing wrong with getting a tattoo.
 
Tatoos and kinky body piercings are a sign on the times. Think: “…As in the time of Noah…”, that’s Biblical and it means… before civilization.

Consider:

What do all primitave paliolythic tribal gatherers and hunters in the anthropology text book have in common…???

Tatoos and kinky body piercings

Hummm…

'Nuther words… the savages in Austrailia had no contact with the savages in South America or in Africa… yet all those savages had certain things in common…

Tatoos and kinky body piercings

Get it…???

Go read Matthew 24:37… then go look at a picture of Dennis Rodman… you’ll figure it out.
 
Maso said:
Go read Matthew 24:37… then go look at a picture of Dennis Rodman… you’ll figure it out.
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That’s all well and good but I also know I’m not judged by God on my outward appearance, but on my heart. My heart is to honor him.

And I have no “kinky” body piercings.

There were alot of things “worldly” going on in the days of Noah. Not just people running around getting tattoos. It’s not different today … people going to check out all kinds of movies, sporting events, etc. I don’t do those things … maybe you do. But this should never be a discussion of the outward things we do or don’t do … like we’re comparing who’s more worldy. If we are believers we should be past that.
 
It’s a sign of the end times…

Tatoos and kinky piercings are a sign of the end times… You’re supposed to have enough common sence to figure things out for yourself. That’s exactly what the good book is telling you.

Go back and read…Matthew 24 : 32 - 37

You’re s’pose to figure out that when people start to act like and look like savages instead of civilized people that the end is soon. Have you noticed the increase in tatoos and kinky piercings around you…?
 
I’m confused what that has to do with my relationship with God and his Church.

I understand your argument, however, I don’t see how it applies to me, a believer.
 
LittleJohn said:
I’m confused what that has to do with my relationship with God and his Church.

I understand your argument, however, I don’t see how it applies to me, a believer.
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It doesn’t apply to you as a believer.

Except that you are expected to see the signs of the times around you. If you had lived in an anchent agricultural society… as the Apostles did, it would have been common sence to you that the spring season was comming because you can see the buds on the trees starting to form. That’s a sign… Likewise you would know that the end times are comming because you can see for yourself that people around you are beginning to look and act more like they did in the times of Noah… 'Nutherwords before there was a civilization and people were just a bunch of tatooed savages with kinky orniments pierced through everything including their unmentionables.

If I were you… I’d get that tatoo removed with laser…👍
 
Maso said:
It doesn’t apply to you as a believer.

Except that you are expected to see the signs of the times around you. If you had lived in an ancient agricultural society… as the Apostles did, it would have been common sense to you that the spring season was coming because you can see the buds on the trees starting to form. That’s a sign… Likewise you would know that the end times are coming because you can see for yourself that people around you are beginning to look and act more like they did in the times of Noah… 'Notherwords before there was a civilization and people were just a bunch of tatooed savages with kinky ornaments pierced through everything including their unmentionables.

If I were you… I’d get that tatoo removed with laser…👍
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Someone asked this question to the apologist and he said it was okay:shrug:
I think it’s beautiful!👍
 
I read somewhere in the CHurch rules lets say that it is not against our Religion as long as it is in good taste. Here is how I would look at it would you be ashamed to show it to The Priest or Jesus himself, If not go for it. But be respectful.
 
LittleJohn said:
This would be my first post here, as I recently decided to convert to Catholicism after a lifetime as a Protestant. The Protestant Church overall was more against my tattoos than it seems the Catholic Church is.

I have nearly full tattooed sleeves, and all of them with Biblical inspiration … Scriptures, symbols denoting the 12 Tribes of Israel, a Lion, Lamb, and Dove representing the Trinity, a Sacred Heart, etc.

I see it like this … Scripture says to honor God with our bodies, which I sincerely believe I am doing. When I was Protestant, my heart was still for Christ, and I can tell you of many situations where the tattoo has initiated a conversation about God or Scripture that may not have otherwise taken place.

There is extensive artwork in the Catholic Churches, I’ve noticed. Someone said something to the effect of not being satisfied with how God made us … we might as well have only 4 plain walls and nothing else … no beauty, no glory.

Our Father is a Creator, and in many ways we reflect that same nature. As long as what you are doing is glorifying to Him and not being done to exalt self, I can see nothing wrong with getting a tattoo.
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👍
 
I have seen some gorgeous tattoos. I don’t have a problem with it.

I have two caveats. One is in agreement with the poster who said you don’t want our Lady to wind up looking like a shrinky-dink. Be careful where you put it. You’ll have to honor her by staying in shape so it doesn’t get all flabby, too.

The other has to do with gang affiliation. Around here, we have problems with Hispanic gangs. Unfortunately, some of them have taken to huge tatts and stickers of O.L. of Guadalupe, to the point where you can’t count upon it as a sign of faith. I mean that I wouldn’t ask someone on the street with one (or with a rosary around his neck) which parish they attend. It’s sad. So you might want to stay away from a tatt of O.L of Guadalupe, if your tattooist suggests it. The one you’ve picked is lovely!

Good luck. I know there are some extraordinary tattoo artists out there; I’ve seen their work.

God bless you,

Ruthie
 
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