‘anointed’ men’s RETREAT T-SHIRT

This t-shirt was created for the New Life Youth Group’s men’s retreat, a camping weekend to help young men step away from daily life and into nature, community, and deeper faith. Sleeping in tents, cooking their own meals, and bonding through the simplicity of the outdoors, the boys were invited to rediscover their identity and calling as sons of God.

The retreat theme, “Anointed,” was rooted in the story of King David, who was anointed by God to be a king, priest, and prophet, a powerful model of masculine virtue and spiritual leadership. The guiding scripture for the weekend was Psalm 23:5: “You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”

Based on a concept and sketch given to me by the Youth Minister, I hand-drew an illustration of three oil vessels, labeled OS (Oleum Sanctum), SC (Sacrum Chrisma), and OI (Oleum Infirmorum), representing the sacred oils used in Catholic tradition:

• OS (Oil of the Catechumens) – for strength and preparation before baptism

• SC (Sacred Chrism) – used in confirmation, ordination, and the dedication of altars

• OI (Oil of the Sick) – used for healing and comfort during illness

Each vessel poured out oil that flows into a rising sun, crowned with a cross, symbolizing Christ as the true source of light, healing, identity, and mission. This all takes place in a forest landscape, a nod to the rugged outdoor setting of the retreat.

The chest print features one of the vessels with “Psalm 23:5” in a hand-drawn typographic style.

The shirts were given to the retreat participants as a reminder of their anointing, to lead, to serve, and to grow in holiness.

Tap any image to view it larger.