A tattoo shop in Times Square is described as a 'ministry for the Miraculous Medal'. The shop offers tattoos of the Miraculous Medal, a Catholic symbol. The shop's owner sees the tattoos as a way to spread faith and offer spiritual comfort. Customers are drawn to the shop for both the art and the spiritual connection.
about 1 month ago
Times Square Tattoo, located in the heart of New York City, operates not merely as a tattoo parlor but as a "ministry for the Miraculous Medal," according to its owner, Tommy Houlihan 2. The shop, nestled among various non-religious establishments, is adorned with Catholic imagery, including rosaries, crucifixes, and religious pictures, and even features an old church pew for waiting customers 2.
Tommy Houlihan, a 55-year-old tattoo artist since 1990, experienced a significant return to his Catholic faith approximately five years prior 2. This conversion was largely influenced by the powerful testimony of Zachary King, a former Satanist who converted to Catholicism after an encounter with the Miraculous Medal 2. Following his spiritual renewal, Houlihan sought guidance from priests, including exorcists, regarding the alignment of his business with his faith 2. One priest encouraged him, calling his shop "antivenom" in the "den of vipers" that is Times Square, which inspired Houlihan to dedicate his shop to the Blessed Mother 2.
A central aspect of the shop's ministry is the distribution of blessed Miraculous Medals to every customer who enters 2. Houlihan views this practice as a "worldwide ministry," as tourists from across the globe receive the medals and take them back to their home countries 2. While most customers react positively or indifferently, a small percentage may express hostility 2. Houlihan's hope is that these encounters will lead to spiritual conversion or a deepening of faith for those who receive the medals 2.
To uphold his faith, Houlihan has implemented strict guidelines for the types of tattoos his shop will perform 2. Prohibited designs include Satanic symbols, zodiac signs, anything related to witchcraft or sorcery (even from popular culture like "Harry Potter"), images that desecrate sacred figures, and anything associated with the LGBT "pride" movement 2. He also refuses to tattoo on body areas primarily intended for sexualization 2. Despite turning down numerous requests due to these guidelines, Houlihan acknowledges a financial "hit" but believes the Blessed Mother ensures he earns enough to sustain the business 2. He emphasizes that his commitment to these principles is driven by his accountability to God 2.
How does the Church view religious symbols' role in evangelization?
The Church views religious symbols as having a significant role in evangelization, serving as powerful means to communicate the Gospel message and draw people closer to the mystery of Christ .
Christian iconography and sacred images are considered "iconographical transcriptions of the Gospel message" . They express in images the same message that Scripture communicates through words, with image and word illuminating each other . This visual communication helps to awaken and nourish the faith of believers . The Church teaches that these images confirm the reality of the Incarnation of the Word of God, making present the mystery of Christ in various aspects .
Sacred images facilitate prayer and prompt believers to give glory to God for the wonders accomplished through His grace in the saints . They serve as an aid to enter into contemplation and intense prayer, similar to a moment of catechesis or a recitation of Salvation History . Contemplation of these images helps to make the recollection of those they depict more vivid in the beholder .
Religious symbols act as a form of catechesis, instructing and confirming the faithful in their faith by providing a means to meditate constantly on the articles of faith through the history of redemption expressed in pictures . Major works of Christian art are sometimes referred to as "Bibles of the Poor" or "Stairways of Jacob," leading the soul to God and the mystery of His beatifying vision .
Sacred images, with their beauty, are a proclamation of the Gospel and express the splendor of Catholic truth, illustrating the harmony between goodness and beauty . They invite both believers and non-believers to discover and contemplate the inexhaustible fascination of the mystery of Redemption . The Cross, for example, is a sign of Christ's victory over sin and death and a manifestation of God's love, venerated by the faithful . Images of the Holy Mother of God, angels, and saints signify Christ glorified in them and reveal humanity "in the image of God," transfigured into His likeness .
The Church recognizes the importance of involving imagination and affectivity in effective communication of the faith, much like Jesus used parables . Christian tradition has always been rich in signs and symbols, such as the Cross, icons, images of the Virgin Mary, and Christmas cribs . These artistic expressions contribute to the lively process of inculturation of the Gospel message in time . Pope John Paul II emphasized the Church's need for artists who can use the endless possibilities of images and their symbolic force, noting that Christ himself made extensive use of images in his preaching .