Authorities Probe Marshall Church Arson

MARSHALL — The Marshall Fire Department is investigating an arson that occurred Sunday in a prayer room at St. Joseph Catholic Church. That’s according to KETK and the Marshall News-Messenger. Fire Chief Reggie Cooper reports minor fire damage to a prayer room. Father Denzil Vithanage, pastor of the church, said there was damage done to the window of the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament chapel, where parishioners come to pray and receive Holy Communion. He said during the incident, the suspect or suspects stole communion bread, part of the Eucharist, representing the body of Christ. Vithanage said the suspect or suspects burned the tabernacle window in order to get the sacrament. Vithanage said the incident occurred between noon and 2 p.m. Sunday when he was in the course of his midday prayer during the Hispanic mass service.