WASHINGTON — (CNN) Two nuns were found dead Thursday in a home in Holmes County, Mississippi, the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth said.

They were found stabbed in a residence in Durant, north of Jackson, police Chief John Haynes told CNN affiliate WJTV.

The Catholic Diocese of Jackson tells CNN two sisters didn’t show up Thursday morning at a clinic they operate.

Clinic workers called police when the pair didn’t arrive, Maureen Smith, a spokeswoman for the Catholic Diocese of Jackson told CNN.

Authorities arrived at the home, saw evidence of a break-in and found two bodies, she said. Officials believe a car is missing.

The Kentucky-based Sisters of Charity of Nazareth said the community is in prayer.

“SCN President Susan Gatz asks that all ‘pray in gratitude for the precious lives of Sisters Paula (Merill) and Margaret (Held) … they served the poor so well. Because we are gospel women, please also pray for the perpetrators.”

Developing story – more to come