India Tribune Newsdesk

Seneca, KS: Father Arul Carasala, the 57-year-old parish priest of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca, Kansas, was tragically shot and killed on April 3 while in his rectory. Authorities have arrested 66-year-old Gary Hermesch from Tulsa, Oklahoma, in connection with the incident. Hermesch is currently being held at the Nemaha County Jail on suspicion of first-degree murder.

Initial investigations suggest that the assailant, an elderly man unknown to the local parishioners, fired three shots at Father Carasala, who later succumbed to his injuries shortly after being rushed to the hospital. The motives behind the attack are still unclear, and authorities are continuing their investigation into the matter.

Archbishop Joseph Naumann of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas shared his sorrow over the priest's death, describing it as a "senseless act of violence" in a post on Facebook. "We are grieving the loss of a beloved priest, leader, and friend," he wrote.

Father Carasala had served as the pastor of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca since 2011, making a lasting impact on the small community of around 2,100 residents. Originally from India, he was ordained as a priest in 1994 and had been serving in Kansas since 2004, eventually becoming a U.S. citizen in 2011.

He was known for his devotion to his parish and his leadership as the Dean of the Nemaha-Marshall Region. His love for Christ and his unwavering commitment to the church were reflected in his compassionate care for the people of his parish. Father Carasala will be deeply missed by his parishioners, friends, and fellow clergy members.