A raccoon appeared to be searching for divine guidance when it made an unexpected visit to a Catholic church in Greenwich Village.
The furry trespasser arrived at St. Joseph’s Church on Sept. 25, strolling up the candlelit steps and slipping through the front doors of the historic house of worship at Sixth Avenue and Washington Place, according to video released by the church.
Once inside, the masked animal sniffed around the foyer, seemingly hoping to find a snack. Its presence was soon noticed by Father Jonah Teller, footage shows.
The pastor moved quickly, blocking the raccoon’s route and guiding it back outside before it could venture farther into the church.
The startled animal raced down the illuminated steps and headed up Sixth Avenue, leaving pedestrians stunned. “I’ve never seen one of those in the city before!” one passerby exclaimed.
Perhaps the raccoon was drawn inside by the mesmerizing candlelight of the church’s “Night Fire” Mass, a special service held four times each year at the building, which dates to 1833.
The unusual church visit occurred only a week before the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, an observance traditionally marked by the Blessing of the Animals.
“I don’t know if his spirit is walking in behind the raccoon, but it’s a great reminder of St. Francis and of God,” Father Jonah Teller, the church’s pastor, told The Post. He added that he hopes the curious critter does not make a return visit.
