Catholic Kermit

At the end of my 8-day silent retreat last month, I was so inspired by all the “prayer tools” and personal experiences in prayer that I didn’t want to forget it all.  I would joke with friends that I wanted a tattoo of the IPF logo on my chest or arm to remind me of all the graces and blessing I’ve received here that I don’t want to forget to use everyday.  I see it as a sacramental.  🙂

Now, after the courses in “Christian Prayer & Virtue“, “Christian Spirituality & Sexuality“, “The Spirituality of Diocesan Priesthood”, and now “The Mystery of the Liturgy”, I want that tattoo now more than ever!

The IPF logo is a beautiful symbol of the Incarnation (God becoming man) showing the Trinity with our Blessed Mother Mary.  The Holy Spirit (dove) is impregnating the Blessed Mother (letter M) with Jesus Christ (cross), all for the glory of God the Father (rays from the cross).  Awesome!

I’ve never really thought about getting a tattoo so I’m just thinking out loud.

— Is it even Christian to get a tattoo?
— Would it be considered a sacramental?
— Where should I put it?  On my chest or upper arm?
— In black & white or in color?
— As a seminarian, should I ask permission from my Bishop?
— Should I ask other brother seminarians if they’d get one too?  Is this growing in fraternity or being a bad influence?
— Would my mother approve?

— I could use some help here.  Don’t be shy.  (Most people aren’t)   🙂