Catholic Priest Tragically Killed at Church Rectory – One America News Network
By OAN Staff Abril Elfi
10:57 AM – Saturday, April 5, 2025
A Catholic priest has tragically lost his life after being shot at the rectory of his church in Kansas.
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On Thursday, Father Arul Carasala, aged 57, was fatally shot at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church located in Seneca.
Gary Hermesch, 66, has been apprehended on suspicion of first-degree murder in connection with the incident.
After the tragedy, Father Brian Schieber, Vicar General for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, spoke with Fox News Digital.
“We’re all still in disbelief. This is a small-town America incident. Father Arul was a treasured pastor in Seneca for over 13 years,” said Schieber.
“A good shepherd knows his flock by name, and Father Arul knew everyone. Throughout the years, he baptized countless individuals, officiated numerous weddings and funerals, and provided support to many in need. His pastoral wisdom made him truly cherished by all,” Schieber remarked.
He labeled the shooting as a “senseless act of violence.”
“We have no insight into the motive behind this occurrence. We are praying for the individual who committed this act. Thank you for your prayers,” he added.
Nebraska County Sheriff’s deputies and Seneca Police responded to a 9-1-1 report of shots fired at the Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church rectory at around 3 p.m. local time, as stated by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI).
Upon arrival, they found Carasala “outside the residence with gunshot wounds,” according to the report.
“Seneca EMS transported Father Carasala to the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital. Despite efforts to save his life, he succumbed to his injuries at the hospital,” the KBI informed.
Following the shooting incident, Carasala’s church held a mass on Thursday evening, conducted by Archbishop Joseph Naumann, who later released a statement.
“Father Arul was both a dear friend and an outstanding priest,” wrote Naumann. “In my homily, I mentioned that serving as a priest today necessitates heroic love. That quality was evident in Father Arul’s life, as he left India to serve the Catholic community in northeast Kansas.”
“While we grieve for Father Arul, I hope we remain hopeful. God is with us in these challenging times,” Naumann continued. “He has the power to transform evil into good and to bring life from death. Let us seek solace in Jesus during this period of grief and ask Him to comfort our hearts.”
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