In a three-story tattoo parlor nestled in the lively atmosphere of Times Square lies what is dubbed the world’s only “tattoo ministry.” Here, artist Tommy Hoolihan carefully considers where clients should get their tattoos and what designs to choose.
“One day, God asked me, ‘Why did you put this little demon next to this girl’s pelvis?’ What can I say, ‘For money’?” the 55-year-old Hoolihan recounted. “I have to answer that one day.”
Hoolihan, a lifelong resident of Hell’s Kitchen, stresses the importance of keeping the artwork clean and suitable, dishing out miraculous medals to anyone who steps into his shop, hoping that these symbols will facilitate a journey toward Catholic faith.
Most visitors seem receptive to the medals, but a few have pushed back. “One woman argued with me, saying, ‘You’re a Catholic and your cute purgatory.’ It felt like she was perhaps revealing some possessions and dealing with a deeper conflict,” he recalled.
Interestingly, Hoolihan argues that tattoo ink can not only mark the skin but also open the door for darker forces to invade the soul.
Hoolihan’s guidelines for tattoo choices are strict. He won’t create artwork that is too explicit—from Ouija boards to reversed crosses or even characters from anime. “I refuse to tattoo something with sexual undertones,” he explained. Harry Potter, in particular, he labels as “demonic,” aiming to pull young Christians toward Wicca.
Situated in a bustling locale, Hoolihan often sees tourists looking for a memorable souvenir rather than anything sinister. Despite this, he remains cautious about the designs his clients request, focusing on the intention behind the artwork.
“It’s not always about the devil’s work, but sometimes that’s the vibe,” Hoolihan noted. He has no problem inking a butterfly, but if the design suggests anything inappropriate, he’s likely to refuse it. “I’m not doing that,” he declared with emphasis.
With three decades of tattooing behind him, Hoolihan once grappled with a general mistrust of his clients, but a pivotal encounter with King Zachary three years ago prompted a change. Since then, he has taken to offering miraculous medals to all who come through his doors, aiming not only to express his faith but also to inspire change in himself and others.
To combat what he describes as evil spirits, Hoolihan often plays Gregorian chants or readings from theologians in his shop. This approach has been effective for some clients who have come in with unusual requests. One wanted a Betty Boop tattoo but with devilish features. “I explained that this could lead to darker interpretations,” he recounted, holding firm to his beliefs.
Once covered in brutal imagery himself—like scenes from the 1979 film Alien—Hoolihan’s journey into tattooing began in 1989. For nearly a decade, he worked in underground shops until tattoos were legalized in 1997.
He believes tattoos themselves aren’t inherently wrong, but rather, the surrounding culture can be a “venomous nest” filled with negativity. Hoolihan’s mission is to stand against that tide, a role he feels is increasingly important.
An exorcist once complimented him, calling him “anti-enemy,” a testament to the path he’s carved for himself amidst the complexities of body art and spirituality.
