Raccoon enters Greenwich Village church during special mass

A raccoon entered St. Joseph’s Church in Greenwich Village during a special ‘Night Fire’ mass on September 25. Video footage shows the animal walking up the candlelit steps and through the front doors of the historic church located at Sixth Avenue and Washington Place.

Upon entering the foyer, the raccoon was spotted by Pastor Jonah Teller, who directed the animal back out the door. The incident occurred one week prior to the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, a day traditionally commemorated with the Blessing of the Animals. Father Teller noted the event served as a reminder of St. Francis.