50 Sensational Saint Tattoos

In the Catholic faith (as well as Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, Oriental Orthodox, and Lutheran religions) saints are recognized as individuals with exceptional holiness or likeness to God. In order to become a saint, you need to be canonized by the Catholic Church and only a “select few” have been given this high honor. There are approximately 10,000 officially recognized Catholic saints, however, only a handful of them are popularly observed around the world.

Many of the Catholic saints were apostles of Jesus or early members of the Church, however, others have been canonized within the last few years. Take a look at 10 of the most popular saints depicted in tattoos in the gallery below, then let us know your favorite saint in the comments section on social media.

Saint Michael the Archangel

Holiday: Michaelmas (September 29th)

Patron of: grocers, soldiers, doctors, mariners, paratroopers, police and sickness

Role: Leader of the army of angels

Saint Peter

Holiday: Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul (June 29th)

Patron of: fishermen, net makers and ship builders

Role: Bishop and one of twelve apostles

Saint Anthony of Padua

Holiday: Feast of Saint Anthony of Padua (June 13th)

Patron of: Lost things and people

Role: Doctor of the Church

Saint Francis of Assisi

Holiday: Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi (October 4th)

Patron of: animals, merchants and ecology

Role: Catholic Friar

Saint Patrick

Holiday: Saint Patrick’s Day (March 17th)

Patron of: Ireland

Role: Bishop

Saint Christopher

Holiday: Feast of Saint James and Saint Christopher (July 25th)

Patron of: bachelors, transportation, traveling, storms, epilepsy, gardeners, holy death, and toothache

Role: Martyr

Saint Jude

Holiday: Feast of Saint Jude (October 28th)

Patron of: desperate causes, desperate situations and lost causes

Role: Apostle and martyr

Saint Joan of Arc

Holiday: Feast of Saint Joan of Arc

Patron of: soldiers and France

Role: Soldier

Saint Teresa of Calcutta

Holiday: Mother Teresa Day (October 19th)

Patron of: doubters and World Youth Day

Role: Missionary

Saint Mary, the Blessed Virgin

Holiday: Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (January 1st)

Patron of: all humanity

Role: Mother of Jesus