Father Arul Carasala fatally shot

by Leaven staff

Father Arul Carasala, 57, pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Seneca, was fatally shot on April 3.

Gary Hermesch, 66, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was arrested and booked into the Nemaha County Jail for first-degree murder in connection to his death, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI).

Father Carasala was ordained a priest on March 4, 1994, for the Diocese of Cuddapah, located on the southeast coast of India.

He arrived in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas in 2004 and became a U.S. citizen on May 20, 2011.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann shared the news of Father Carasala’s death in a message posted to his Facebook page.

“I am heartbroken to share the tragic news of the death of Fr. Arul Carasala, who was fatally shot earlier today,” the archbishop wrote. “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.”

The Leaven is continuing to gather information. For updates, follow us on Facebook.