5:15 Say Your Prayers... Fire At The Co-Cathedral Of The Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee: Presiders’ Chairs Were Set Ablaze For The 5:15 Mass.....

Arson Suspected in Fire at Florida Cathedral

The diocese said they are hoping to be able to celebrate weekend Masses in the church.

TALLAHASSEE - The co-cathedral of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee was damaged by fire Wednesday, with several of the chairs in the sanctuary set ablaze using an accelerant. The church’s rector has said he suspects arson.

According to the diocese, the cathedra and presiders’ chairs were set on fire and were destroyed, while the flames charred the walls of the sanctuary and the building suffered smoke damage. No one was hurt and an investigation is underway, the diocese said.

Father John Cayer, rector of the Co-Cathedral of Saint Thomas More, told WCTV that a Florida State University student first noticed the smoke and called authorities. Mass was scheduled for 5:15pm on Wednesday, so the church was unlocked, he said. Source