While there was a time not long ago when the Catholic faith frowned upon tattoos, now they are widely accepted and celebrated among devoted followers, as well as admirers of the religion’s poignant symbolism.

The cross is among the most widely recognized symbols in the world, and there are countless tattoo renditions of every size and style.

Some opt for an ornate cross of Medieval detail, while others prefer a cruder rendering more in line with the original cross that Jesus Christ was crucified on. In many designs Christ himself is incorporated, either directly or in profile. 3D crosses are also becoming a popular and eye-catching way to proudly show one’s spiritual pride in a creatively nuanced fashion.

The Virgin Mary is one of the most sacred figures in the world, a protector and vessel of hope in the Catholic faith and for casual believers alike, and her portrait has made its way into numerous tattoo homages. Her image a welcome sight in treasured icons, cathedral art, and courtly paintings, the serene and loving mother of Christ has long been a subject of pride for skilled tattoo artists, as well as those who adorn themselves with their masterpieces.

You needn’t be a fervent Catholic to enjoy the rich and varied tattoo artwork available, with elegant symbols such as the sacred heart or white dove serving as simple reminders of the faith that enables each of us to pursue our lives with courage and kindness.

Perhaps you prefer a tattooed depiction of your own guardian angel, gracing your forearm or shoulder in gentle protection? Regardless of your tattoo preferences, there is an abundance of inspiration from which to draw.

This is an excellent piece that uses black and gray shading to perfectly capture the image of Jesus on the wearer’s arm. The gradation of tones, from full saturated black all the way to negative space, is smooth and consistent, allowing for subtle shading to create the effect of carved marble. The attention to detail and uniformity in the way the shadows fall on the face is also impressive: often times, small inconsistencies in shading can be distracting and hurt the visual appeal from the tattoo, but this piece doesn’t suffer from this common mistake. This is an impressive design that puts the wearer’s faith on full display.