Over the last decade tattoos have become increasingly popular in many social circles. Yet, there has been some uncertainty as to whether this sort of art form goes against Catholic beliefs.
Quo Vadis, a Catholic organization, is hoping that giving Catholics an opportunity to express their faith through free inkings — carried out by religious tattoo artist Silas Becks in ways that many consider compatible with the Catholic faith — will change some ill-informed views.
The tattoos will be done in a Catholic center in Vienna, but before the campaign kicks off, the group will hold a special tattoo-themed service for “colorful people” at St. Rupert’s Church, according to Christian News. After the service, a discussion will take place concerning the controversy of this form of body art within Christianity.
Over time tattoos have been condemned by some as they believe Levitical law prohibits them. However, this law is laid out in the Old Testament, so other people think that the lack of prohibition in the New Testament means that there is no issue for Catholics today to have certain tattoos.
There is a Christian heritage surrounding tattoos that Becks, the tattoo artist, and Quo Vadis’ head, Christopher Paul Campbell, are hoping to highlight through the Catholic Educational Association of Tattoo Artists, “Societas indelebilis,” that they founded together.
As Becks explains, in the Middle Ages pilgrims would receive a tattoo on trips to Jerusalem, and Coptic Christians still don a cross on their right wrists.
Campbell, hopes the free tattoos will place importance on the sorts of signs people are wanting to give themselves, and says that among all the tattoos being done these days, we must “leave a place for tattoos with Catholic symbols,” as shared in Courrier International.
“Perceiving the stories behind the tattoos, finding faith in all things. We want to help shape a Catholic perspective on tattooing that is not based on prohibition and rejection, but on friendliness and equality. Therefore we see tattooing in connection with the deep spirituality of the Christian religion,” shares Campbell.
The event will be taking place on April 15 for those wanting an excuse to go to Vienna. While it might be a long trip to take just for a tattoo, you could always visit the historic St. Stephen’s Cathedral, which is close by.
