by Moira Cullings
moira.cullings@theleaven.org
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — At the core of Father Raj “Arul” Balaswamy Carasala’s ministry was a heart for people.
“Arul knew Jesus, experienced him in his life, and that was his main desire — to help others to know Christ,” said Father Harry Schneider.
“And I think he was an incredible exemplar of the love, the care, the healing for human beings,” he added.
Father Carasala, 57, was fatally shot on April 3 outside his rectory at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Seneca, where he served as pastor since 2011.
He was born on June 7, 1967, in Kilacheri, India, to Dhanam (Gorla) and Balaswamy Carasala.
He was ordained a priest on March 4, 1994, for the Diocese of Cuddapah on the southeast coast of India.
In 2004, Father Carasala was invited by Archbishop James P. Keleher to visit and potentially relocate to northeast Kansas.
He made a home in the archdiocese and became a U.S. citizen on May 20, 2011.
“We see his journey as a sacrifice he made to fulfill God’s will,” said his niece, Joshvi Christina. “Father Arul loved home deeply, and we know he would have been happy staying here with us.
“But like the disciples of Jesus who crossed oceans to spread his word, Father Arul answered a higher calling.”
Father Carasala quickly became an indispensable resource for the archdiocese, paving the way for more Indian priests to come and taking them under his wing.
“He taught me how to be a pastor here,” said Father Jomon Palatty, MSFS, pastor of Annunciation Parish in Baldwin and St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Lapeer.
“We come from a different world,” he said. “When you arrive in America, your slang, the food, the timing — it’s different.”
Father Carasala taught his fellow priests how to obtain a driver’s license and open a bank account. He also explained cultural differences between India and the United States.
“He was a mentor, and he guided us [in] how to deal with the situation in all the parishes,” said Father Jomon.
His presence was a source of comfort when Father Anthony Chendumalli, pastor of Annunciation Parish in Frankfort, St. Columbkille Parish in Blaine and St. Monica-St. Elizabeth Parish, Blue Rapids, arrived in Kansas.
“I didn’t expect that he would be such a wonderful person and human being,” he said. “He is a great gift to me to have him in my life.”
The camaraderie among the Indian priests was strong under Father Carasala’s leadership.
“Having a group of priests here from our same culture helped a lot,” said Father Reginald Saldanha, pastor of St. Mary Parish in St. Benedict and Sacred Heart Parish in Baileyville.
“We did a lot of things together — hunting, fishing, cooking and playing cards in our free time,” he said.
Father Jomon said Father Carasala was a talented cook. One of his specialties was barbecue chicken with Indian spices.
“Even American priests also used to come and stay with him and enjoy his cooking,” he said.
Father Carasala enjoyed playing basketball, volleyball and running.
And he knew everyone, said Father Jomon.
“In Seneca, when we’d go for a walk,” he said, “there are many people that call out from inside the house, ‘Hey, Father Arul!’ And he called them back [by their] names.
“He was really gifted with that quality of knowing the person.”
Father Saldanha said Father Carasala’s days were jam- packed, but he never ran out of energy.
“If I had to name one priest that I know of who came very close to possess the gift of bilocation,” he said, “Father Arul would be the one.”
Father Jim Shaughnessy was inspired by Father Carasala’s ingenuity.
“He was always finding ways to get people more involved in the parish doing different things,” he said. “He was a good organizer and a hard worker.
“He was always ready to do something for people in need.”
And he didn’t shy away from challenging situations.
“Father Arul was very good in guiding people through difficult times, dark times,” said Father Saldanha. “He had a special gift. He would show up without saying much.
“He would bring his presence as a healing and comfort to the people in their difficult times.”
Like the time Christina shared with her uncle that she was going through a challenging time.
“Without a moment’s hesitation, he booked a flight to be with me,” she said.
“During that visit, he was a source of light and strength,” she continued. “He cooked for me, took care of me like I was a child and filled the house with his usual warmth and optimism.”
Father Schneider said the loss of Father Carasala is devastating, but faith is getting him through it.
“I have no doubt that Arul is wrapped in the arms of the Lord,” he said.
“He had this total genuine faith and trust in God’s grace,” he continued, “and there is fulfillment of the resurrection, the fulfillment of Christ’s promises.”
For Christina and her family, the response from the archdiocesan community has been comforting.
“It is truly a blessing from God to know that Father Arul is so deeply loved by the people in Kansas,” she said. “Hearing how much he is cherished there fills our hearts with comfort.
“We feel incredibly proud of him — for the life he chose, the lives he touched and the love he shared so generously, both near and far.”
Father Carasala was preceded in death by his mother and father. He is survived by his sister, Zeeta Loui (John) Puthota, niece Christina and nephew Joe Nikesh.
A memorial Mass was celebrated on April 10 at Sts. Peter and Paul, with Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann as the main celebrant and homilist. His body will be flown to India, accompanied by two priests, where a funeral Mass and burial will take place.
