One of my favorite conversation starters is asking people with visible tattoos the story of their body art. I especially like seeing and hearing the stories behind Catholic tattoos. Whether the tattoo is an image of a saint, a Catholic symbol, or a word associated with the Catholic faith, chances are that there is something significant behind the ink, from a memory of a loved one, to a piece of their conversion story, to a reminder of a virtue. Because tattoos are permanent, they have weight, and I know that they mean something important to their carrier.
But just as permanence indicates significance, it can also making choosing a tattoo an overwhelming task in the first place. Even if you have a general idea for a tattoo — say, that you’d like a Catholic Mary tattoo — it can be difficult to decide on the specifics of the art, sizing, and the location on your body.
If you are interested in a Catholic Mary Tattoo (or a different sort of Roman Catholic tattoo, for that matter!), look no further. We carry three packs of Marian tattoos: the Behold Collection, the Ave Maria Collection, and the Immaculate Heart Collection. Each of these packs of Catholic temporary tattoos includes Catholic words and images that you can use to experiment with design and placement in preparation for choosing a permanent Catholic Mary tattoo. The tattoos are waterproof and wash away after 4-6 days, making them great for experimentation.
Here are 13 Catholic Mary Tattoo ideas, from our collections:
1. Miraculous Medal
The Miraculous Medal image combines the cross with the letter M to symbolize respect and devotion to Mother Mary and her son Jesus. The design of the Miraculous Medal originated with St. Catherine Labouré’s visions of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and it is believed that wearing the medal will bring special graces from the Virgin Mary. A temporary tattoo is a great way to wear the medal without donning an actual piece of jewelry, which may need to removed at times (such as when undergoing a surgical procedure). You can find this temporary tattoo here.
2. Behold
The word “Behold” can call to mind the moment when Jesus, nailed to the cross, saw his mother and his disciple John and said to them “Behold, your son. Behold, your mother.” We are beholden to each other: what an important message to remember at all times, and thus a great Catholic tattoo idea.
"Behold Collection" Temporary Tattoos
$4.99
Looking for a dainty Catholic tattoo with a powerful message that you can look at during a time of trial or wear just for fun? These Catholic temporary tattoos are a great solution! Put them on your wrist, your ankle,… Read More
3. Cross
The cross is the sign of our salvation, and it’s a call to make sacrifices of our own in the name of love. Jesus sacrificed his life on the cross, and Mary sacrificed alongside him as she wept over the pain and suffering of her only son. Like Mary and Jesus, we can do hard things out of love for our God, our families and our neighbors, and catching glimpses of our cross tattoo can regularly call us to such action. You can find this temporary tattoo here.
4. Totus Tuus
“Totus tuus” is a Latin phrase meaning “totally thine,” and, fun fact: it was Saint Pope John Paul II's apostolic motto. The words originally come from St. Louis Marie de Montfort’s spiritual classic True Devotion to Mary in which he expresses his love for Mary and his desire to belong completely to God, alongside Mary. As a Catholic temporary tattoo (or real tattoo, eventually), “Totus tuus” can demonstrate your longing, like St. Louis Marie de Montfort and St. Pope John Paul II, to give yourself entirely to God. You can find this temporary tattoo here.
5. Grace
“Grace” captures one of the words in the opening of the Hail Mary: “Hail Mary, full of grace,” reminding a wearer to show others and herself grace, and to lean on Mary for support in this endeavor. You can find this temporary tattoo here.
6. Fiat
“Fiat” is another Latin phrase, and it translates as “Let it be done.” This is the word that Mary speaks in immediate acceptance of God’s will for her life when the angel Gabriel visits her to tell her she is with child. Her yes to God changed the history of the world, and remembering her “yes” — her “fiat” — can call us to utter the same. You can find this temporary tattoo here.
7. Yours
The tattoo “yours” carries a similar message to “Totus Tuus.” Worn on the wrist, over the heart, or on a forearm, it can daily tell you that your Mother in Heaven is with you as you journey through the ups and downs of life. You are her “totally hers.” You can find this temporary tattoo here.
8. Auspice Maria
The Auspice Maria image is like a monogram for Mary, and the tattoo weaves in various important Marian images, including a crown for her Queenship and roses for her beauty. The Auspice Maria image is visual prompt to be like our Mother Mary: full of grace, devoted to God, and accepting of God’s will. The strength of the image would make it a great ankle tattoo.
"Ave Maria Collection" Temporary Tattoos
$4.99
Looking for a dainty Catholic tattoo with a powerful message that you can look at during a time of trial or wear just for fun? These Catholic temporary tattoos are a great solution! Put them on your wrist, your ankle,… Read More
9. Hail Mary
“Hail Mary” are the words that the angel Gabriel called to Mary when he came to tell her that she is favored by the Lord and would become the Mother of God. These words remind us of the courage, wisdom and great faith of Mary in what was a confusing and frightening time, and they can be mantras for us when we enter our own periods of uncertainty and fear (such as during a job interview, going into labor, or for a surgery). Mary said “Yes” to God and to life, even when it was scary…and so can we. You can find this temporary tattoo here.
10. Ave Maria
Ave Maria means “Hail Mary” in Latin. This Catholic temporary tattoo is another way of reminding us that we are under the guidance and protection of our Mother, Mary. You can find this temporary tattoo here.
11. Immaculate Heart
The Immaculate Heart represents the heart of Mary — pure, full of grace, and completely devoted to God. As it simultaneously calls us to strive to cultivate these virtues in our lives and to honor Mary for leading us in that direction, it’s the perfect Catholic Mary tattoo. You can find this temporary tattoo here.
12. Mom
A “Mom” tattoo can be significant for a number of reasons, for those of us who are inspired by our own moms and for those who are vocationally called to motherhood. But it’s also a decidedly catholic tattoo, as it reminds us our Mom in heaven, and the Mom of Jesus. I love that this temporary tattoo is so versatile, both in its meaning, but also in its potential placement. I think it would look great on a foot or as a Catholic wrist tattoo.
LAST CHANCE "Immaculate Heart Collection" Temporary Tattoos
$2.50
$4.99
Last Chance! This item is being retired to make room for new Catholic goodies. Once it's gone, it's gone! Looking for a dainty Catholic tattoo with a powerful message that you can look at during a time of trial or… Read More
13. Magnificat
A Magnificat tattoo calls to mind the song that Mary sings in Luke 1:46–55, in which she glorifies and praises the Lord God. Latin for "[My soul] magnifies [the Lord],” a Magnificat tattoo is more than a beautiful sign of faith, worn on your body: it is a call to glorify and praise the Lord. You can find this temporary tattoo here.