Aloysius Posted October 20, 2007 Share Posted October 20, 2007 so when I was in second grade, my parish had the bright idea to investure all the kids in the brown scapular, but not really teach them too well what it meant. I vaguely remember it, and it didn't have much significance to me at the time. of course, once you're investured, you're investured. off and on since I got back into the faith I've tried to start wearing it again, with varying levels of success. the one thing I always wished I could do was you know, something that would like renew the investiture, make it more real than just putting on the cloth and saying the prayers again. so I came up with a ridiculous plan which is going to mark a substantial commitment to my lifelong wearing of the scapular. are you ready for it? I want to get a scapular tattoo. wouldn't that be brilliant? so anyway, everybody shout out all your objections to the idea. I won't be doing it any time soon, but once I feel I'm ready to follow the commitments of the scapular again, I'm going to get it tattooed on me (in addition, of course, to actually wearing a real scapular, a tattoo cannot take its place) and of course, the only thing that would make me regret it would be if I apostasized, and then at least I can get revenge on my future self now. haha. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thy Geekdom Come Posted October 20, 2007 Share Posted October 20, 2007 You're out of your mind, however brilliant you may be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ovenbird03 Posted October 20, 2007 Share Posted October 20, 2007 Yikes. How about you look into the Five Fold Scapular (which contains the Brown Scapular). If you decided to get a Five Fold Scapular you would need to be enrolled into it (which also includes being enrolled again to the Brown Scapular). So you'd get a REAL investiture (and some AWESOME graces from the five fold) and wouldn't need to get a tattoo. Less pain, more grace. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spamity Calamity Posted October 20, 2007 Share Posted October 20, 2007 thats cool but i thought tattoos and catholicism didnt mix? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aloysius Posted October 20, 2007 Author Share Posted October 20, 2007 who told you tattoos and catholicism don't mix? that's tattoos and fundamentalist protestantism, not Catholicism . there are some topics floating around here on why tattoos can be okay. I don't know if I want to go for the five-fold scapular, at least not now, I feel like I should be specifically and only a brown scapular fellow. that's just my spirituality. July 16th is my birthday, so of course Our Lady of Mount Carmel is special to me. The pain part, to me, is one of the plus sides; the scapular is about penance, right? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noel's angel Posted October 20, 2007 Share Posted October 20, 2007 Hmm, the scapular might not work as a tattoo, but it depends 1. on what size you would be getting it done and 2. what design you want it to contain. I think that devoting yourself to it and making sure to wear it faithfully for the rest of your life will be more beneficial than getting a tattoo of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted October 20, 2007 Share Posted October 20, 2007 I'd say go for it! It'll be painful. But, i think it will look awesome. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alicemary Posted October 20, 2007 Share Posted October 20, 2007 Part of the idea of wearing the scapular is the actual physical putting it on. Each time one does so, it is like renewing the reason one is wearing it in the first place. And where would you put it? Sweet tat on the ankle? As a nurse, I can tell you, after a few years tats fade terribly. And the skin wrinkles. I would rethink this Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Totus Tuus Posted October 21, 2007 Share Posted October 21, 2007 (edited) It seems kind of a weird idea to me. The scapular is specifically about wearing part of Our Lady's mantle. Tattooing it one oneself doesn't really seem like wearing part of her mantle, to me, but whatever. Speaking of scapulars, mine broke while I was jogging two days ago and I haven't sewn it back together yet I have been carrying it in my purse. Edited October 21, 2007 by Totus Tuus Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Justin86 Posted October 21, 2007 Share Posted October 21, 2007 Yeah. The Church has thrown out the concept of the Scapular Medal, so your idea of a Scapular tattoo(I'm surprised more Catholics of my generation haven't come up with this idea) would likely be thrown out as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xTrishaxLynnx Posted October 21, 2007 Share Posted October 21, 2007 (edited) I love the idea, Aloysius! In fact, I've been thinking about getting a Miraculous Medal tattoo. (in addition to wearing my actual medal.) [quote name='alicemary' post='1406202' date='Oct 20 2007, 06:46 PM']Part of the idea of wearing the scapular is the actual physical putting it on. Each time one does so, it is like renewing the reason one is wearing it in the first place. And where would you put it? Sweet tat on the ankle? As a nurse, I can tell you, after a few years tats fade terribly. And the skin wrinkles. I would rethink this[/quote] My tattoo hasn't faded at all. And it has color, too, which I would think would fade faster than black. Plus he can always have it touched up, as it seems like he isn't too worried about the pain. (IMO, tattoos are not all that painful... the artist who did mine had to stop, but only because I was giggling... it tickled.) [quote name='Totus Tuus' post='1406244' date='Oct 20 2007, 09:43 PM']It seems kind of a weird idea to me. The scapular is specifically about wearing part of Our Lady's mantle. Tattooing it one oneself doesn't really seem like wearing part of her mantle, to me, but whatever. Speaking of scapulars, mine broke while I was jogging two days ago and I haven't sewn it back together yet I have been carrying it in my purse.[/quote] [quote name='Justin86' post='1406247' date='Oct 20 2007, 09:45 PM']Yeah. The Church has thrown out the concept of the Scapular Medal, so your idea of a Scapular tattoo(I'm surprised more Catholics of my generation haven't come up with this idea) would likely be thrown out as well.[/quote] He already said he planned on wearing the actual cloth scapular as well... so neither of your posts is really relevant as far as argument against Al's idea. It sounds to me like a personal thing he would like to do in addition to wearing (and practicing the requirements of) the scapular. Edited October 21, 2007 by xTrishaxLynnx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
curtins Posted October 21, 2007 Share Posted October 21, 2007 haha dude i was actually talking to someone the other day about getting a tatoo of my scapular on me...... I'd say go for it, but wear the real thing too- There is a special indulgence given for each time the scapular is devoutly kissed- can't kiss you're tattoo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
photosynthesis Posted October 21, 2007 Share Posted October 21, 2007 (edited) I'm speaking as a person who doesn't have a strong devotion to the Brown Scapular but loves Mary... I see the Scapular as an outward sign of devotion to Our Lady. Our Lady bestows many graces on those who have recourse to her in this way because of their faith in its promises. And I feel your pain regarding having been invested into the Scapular without knowing what it meant. I (along with many other phatmassers) was baptized & confirmed without understanding the significance of these sacraments. They, of course, were still valid. But sometimes I wish I could experience them again. I decided to renew my baptismal vows through making the Total Consecration to Our Lady according to St. Louis Marie de Montfort. It's a wonderful devotion in which one belongs to Our Lady in the most intimate way possible. I also recommend the Unlimited Consecration of St. Maximilian Kolbe. It's unfortunate that you were unaware of the beauty of devotion to the Scapular at the time of investiture, but it's not worth mutilating your flesh over it. I think Our Lady would be much more happier if you just spent more time praying the Rosary in front of the Blessed Sacrament. Or maybe you could be more involved in the corporal works of mercy, like feeding the hungry or comforting the afflicted. Offering your life to Our Blessed Lady and living for the others is what really brings joy to her Immaculate Heart. Put it this way. Let's say I have a son. He goes off and decides to get a tattoo of a heart with the word "MOM" inside it. While I'd be glad that he got a tattoo of "mom" rather than a flaming skull, I'd still think it was cheesy and tacky. I'd be much happier to see my son grow up to be a respectable, God-fearing man. And if my betrothed were to get a tattoo with my name on it, it wouldn't make me happy either. I'd prefer that he wrote me a love letter, or did something to honor me. The flesh will wither away and die but the graces you merit from prayers and good works will last forever. Edited October 21, 2007 by photosynthesis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spamity Calamity Posted October 22, 2007 Share Posted October 22, 2007 [quote name='Aloysius' post='1406123' date='Oct 20 2007, 03:00 PM']who told you tattoos and catholicism don't mix? that's tattoos and fundamentalist protestantism, not Catholicism . there are some topics floating around here on why tattoos can be okay. I don't know if I want to go for the five-fold scapular, at least not now, I feel like I should be specifically and only a brown scapular fellow. that's just my spirituality. July 16th is my birthday, so of course Our Lady of Mount Carmel is special to me. The pain part, to me, is one of the plus sides; the scapular is about penance, right? [/quote] It was one of those things someone said a long time ago and I never bothered to look into. I had always thought it was because of the idea that you didnt own your body and therefore couldnt get it all marked up. I would be happy to learn I was wrong because then I wouldnt feel as bad about getting the ones I have! I will have to look into it. Personally, I kinda like the idea of a scapular tattoo but I think you would still have to wear the cloth one because since the tattooed one cant come off, you miss the daily devotion and sacrifice of having to put it on everyday which kinda defeats the purpose. But if tattoos are cool in Catholicism then I need to start thinking about this. I currently have some pagan symbols tattooed on me that I could get covered up. Hmmmmm this thread has got me thinking now thanks for starting it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ovenbird03 Posted October 22, 2007 Share Posted October 22, 2007 [quote name='Spamity Calamity' post='1407123' date='Oct 22 2007, 11:43 AM']you miss the daily devotion and sacrifice of having to put it on everyday which kinda defeats the purpose.[/quote] I read a couple of posts that mentioned this. Now...the last time I put mine on was, I guess around a year ago. I was not aware we are supposed to remove the scapular? Are we not supposed to wear it to bed or something? Considering what Mary has promised to do through it, most people I know (including myself) just never take it off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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