Philly Jesus cited for trespassing during the installation of Archbishop Nelson Pérez

Michael Grant, otherwise known as Philly Jesus, was escorted out of the installation of Philadelphia's new archbishop.

MIchael Grant, popularly known around Philadelphia as "Philly Jesus," is cited with trespassing after being escorted out of the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul during the installation of new Archbishop Nelson Perez.Read moreEllie Rushing

Published Feb. 18, 2020, 3:47 p.m. ET

Inside the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, thousands recited the lines of the Lord’s Prayer, including, “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”

But just moments before, there was a trespasser, according to the church.

Philly Jesus.

From afar, he looked like part of the procession. Dressed in his usual long white robe and shepherd’s crook in hand, Philly Jesus stood near the front of the basilica as Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez was officially installed Tuesday.

But those in charge of the event said they knew he didn’t belong. Police then asked Michael Dennis Grant, known as Philly Jesus, to depart. While not being disruptive, he refused, telling them he had a right to be in the church, embracing the word of God and enjoying the architecture.

The next moment, he was nearly on the ground, being dragged out of the basilica in handcuffs, and was later issued a $25 citation for trespassing.

Police told him that the installation was a private event and that he was cited because he refused to exit when asked multiple times. Officers removed his handcuffs after about 15 minutes.

“I was just trying to partake in the word of God,” he said while sitting on the curb outside the church. “I guess because of the way I was dressed, they targeted me.”

“This is religious freedom,” said Grant, who recently sued the city and police over his arrest in a December incident at Christmas Village. He said Tuesday that he would contact his lawyer. “I was just sincerely appreciating the architecture.”

Grant has dressed as Philly Jesus for the last seven years, when he became sober after a long battle with drug addiction.

“Being dragged out," he said, "it was horrible. It was so embarrassing.”

He would get no second coming from the church. Police told him if he attempted to reenter the ceremony, he would be arrested and charged with a misdemeanor.

“I forgive you for trespassing against me,” he told an officer.