Catholic priest from India shot dead in Kansas; one arrested

Father Arul Balaswamy Karasala, a Catholic priest from Andhra Pradesh, was shot and killed in the small town of Seneca, Kansas, on April 3. The Archdiocese of Kansas City confirmed his death in a Facebook post on April 3.

Father Karasala, pastor of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca, was described by those who knew him as a deeply committed spiritual leader and beloved member of the community. He was from Kadapa and had served the archdiocese for more than 20 years. He was also the dean of the Nemaha-Marshall area.

The priest was shot in the rectory of the church and died a short time later at a local hospital, the parish said in a Facebook post.

Gary L., 66, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was charged in connection with Karasala's death. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation said Hermesh was arrested and booked into jail. Hermesh has not yet been formally charged.

‘As far as we know, an elderly man approached the priest and shot him three times. I don't know who he was or why,’ Chris Anderson, the parish's religious education director, told The Associated Press.

Archbishop Joseph F. Nauman posted a statement on Facebook: am heartbroken to share the tragic news of the death of Fr. Arul Carasala, who was fatally shot earlier today. This senseless act of violence has left us grieving the loss of a beloved priest, leader, and friend.
Fr. Carasala was a devoted and zealous pastor who faithfully served our Archdiocese for over twenty years, including as dean of the Nemaha-Marshall region. His love for Christ and His Church was evident in how he ministered to his people with great generosity and care. His parishioners, friends, and brother priests will deeply miss him.
In this time of sorrow, let us entrust Fr. Carasala to the mercy of God and lift up in prayer his family in Cuddapah, India, his parish community at Saints Peter and Paul in Seneca, and all who mourn his passing. Let us also pray for the perpetrator, that God may touch and transform his heart.
There is no ongoing threat to the community, but I recognize the pain and shock that such an event brings. In moments like these, we turn to our Lord, who is close to the brokenhearted. As we grieve, may we find strength in our faith and in the hope of Christ’s Resurrection.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.’

Authorities have not yet released further details about the circumstances of the shooting.