Father Arul Carasala, an Indian-origin Catholic priest, was tragically shot and killed in Seneca, Kansas, on Thursday, April 3. The Immaculate Conception Church in St. Mary’s confirmed the news of his death on Facebook.
“Please pray for the repose of the soul of Father Arul and for his parishioners and brother priests who are in disbelief and in great sorrow,” a post on the official Facebook page read.
Another post read, “Urgent Prayer Request. One of our priests, Fr. Arul Carasala from Seneca, was fatally shot today. Pray for the repose of his soul at this time. Thank you.”
Father Carasala, born and raised in Hyderabad, India, was ordained as a priest in 1994 within the Diocese of Cuddapah in Telangana. He moved to Kansas in 2004 at the invitation of Archbishop James P. Keleher and became a U.S. citizen on May 20, 2011.
Throughout his time in Kansas, Father Carasala served at various parishes before becoming the pastor at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. In addition to his work in Seneca, he had previously served at St. Vincent de Paul in Onaga and St. Patrick in Corning.
The tragic loss has been met with widespread grief.
Kansas City Archbishop Joseph Fred Naumann shared his sorrow, expressing heartbreak over the loss of Father Carasala, describing it as a senseless act of violence that had devastated the community. Archbishop Naumann also announced a Rosary ceremony organized by the Knights of Columbus at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, followed by a Mass in Father Carasala’s memory.
“I 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,” the Archbishop wrote on Facebook.
“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.
“The Knights of Columbus will lead a Rosary tonight at 6 PM at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Seneca. I will celebrate a Mass there at 7:30 PM. I invite all who are able to join us in prayer.
“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,” his post read.
Kansas Speaker of the House, Dan Hawkins, also offered his condolences, calling the news of the shooting heartbreaking and extending his deepest prayers to all those who knew the priest.
