For Hub City Times

NEILLSVILLE – Police have made an arrest in the Feb. 28 vandalism incident at St. Mary’s Parish, 1813 River Rd, Neillsville.

“The damage, which was discovered (the following) morning, was limited to the interior of the church,” said Father Varkey V. Joseph. “Most of the statuary was destroyed.”

While damage estimates are not available yet, officials say that it is significant.

“We are saddened that our church was desecrated and the sanctuary was violated. Crimes committed in a church affect and do injury to the entire Christian community, which the church building in a sense symbolizes and represents. St. Mary’s is a house of prayer and we ask people to pray for the perpetrators so that the Lord may give them the grace for conversion.”

There were no injuries in the incident.

The Clark County Sheriff’s office assisted with the case, while the Neillsville Police Department followed up on tips. One tip led to an arrest. No other information is available at this time.