CV NEWS FEED // The Kansas Bureau of Investigation on Thursday evening arrested a Tulsa man in connection with the fatal shooting of a Catholic priest in Seneca, Kansas, that morning.
The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas had confirmed the death of Father Arul Carasala, who was fatally shot on Thursday, April 3, outside the rectory of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Parish in Seneca, where he had served as pastor.
Authorities arrested 66-year-old Gary L. Hermesch of Tulsa, Oklahoma, hours later. Hermesch has been charged with first-degree murder, KCTV5 reported Thursday evening.
The Archdiocese announced the priest’s death on social media, stating, “We are praying for the repose of his soul and for the comfort of all who loved him,” according to an earlier report from KCTV5.
Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City expressed condolences on social media, describing the incident as “a senseless act of violence that left an entire parish grieving the loss of their beloved leader.”
The archbishop asked for prayers for Father Carasala’s family in Cuddapah, India, and for the murdered priest’s parishioners.
“In moments like these, we turn to our Lord, who is close to the brokenhearted,” he added. “As we grieve, may we find strength in our faith and in the hope of Christ’s Resurrection.”
Archbishop Naumann also called on Catholics to pray for the murderer: “Let us also pray for the perpetrator, that God may touch and transform his heart.”
Archbishop Naumann confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the community.
A Rosary led by the Knights of Columbus was scheduled by the evening of the same day, followed by a Mass in remembrance of Father Carasala.