Father Arul Carasala, pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Seneca, Kansas, was fatally shot in his rectory. The shooting occurred on Thursday, April 3, 2025. The suspected shooter is reportedly in custody, but details about the motive are unknown. Archbishop Joseph Naumann expressed grief over the loss, calling it a senseless act of violence. The Archbishop visited Seneca to console the community.
25 days ago
Father Arul Carasala, a Catholic priest, was fatally shot at his parish rectory in Seneca, Kansas 2. The incident occurred on Thursday, April 3, 2025 2. A suspect is in custody 1 2 3. Details about the shooter and the motive are still emerging 2.
Fr. Carasala was the pastor at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca since 2011 2 3. He was ordained in 1994 in India and served in Kansas since 2004, becoming a U.S. citizen in 2011 2 3. Described as a devoted and zealous pastor, he served the Archdiocese of Kansas City for over twenty years 2 3. He was also the dean of the Nemaha-Marshall region 2 3.
Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City expressed his grief over the "senseless act of violence" 2 3. He traveled to Seneca to console parishioners and celebrate Mass 3. The Knights of Columbus led a rosary, followed by a Mass led by the Archbishop 3. Archbishop Naumann asked for prayers for Fr. Carasala's family in India, his parish, and also for the perpetrator 3. The community of Seneca, with a population of around 2,100, is in shock and mourning the loss of their pastor 2.
The Catholic Church firmly condemns violence as an unacceptable solution to problems . Violence is considered evil and unworthy of humanity, contradicting the truth of faith and human dignity . It destroys what it claims to defend: life, freedom, and human dignity . The Church advocates for unarmed prophets and those who defend human rights through non-violent means .
However, the Church acknowledges the legitimacy of self-defense and the defense of others, even if it results in harm or death to the aggressor . The primary purpose of such defense is the preservation of life, but the force used must be necessary and proportionate . Excessive force is considered unjust . The Church also recognizes the right of legitimate political authorities to resist unjust aggression to defend the common good and protect innocent life, even if it requires the use of lethal force .
Forgiveness is central to Christian prayer and is a key aspect of God's mercy . By asking God for forgiveness, individuals acknowledge their sinfulness and God's mercy . Forgiveness is possible through the Holy Spirit, which enables individuals to love even their enemies, transforming injury into compassion . Forgiveness participates in divine mercy and is a high point of Christian prayer .
The Church emphasizes the need to forgive others, including enemies, as a condition for receiving God's forgiveness . Jesus taught his followers to forgive others their trespasses, "as we forgive those who trespass against us" . Forgiveness does not negate the requirements of justice, but it adds a new dimension of love, allowing individuals to affirm themselves as human . Mercy gives justice a new content expressed fully in forgiveness .
In light of the news article about the fatal shooting of Father Arul Carasala, the Church's teachings on violence and forgiveness offer a framework for understanding and responding to this tragedy. The act of violence against Fr. Carasala is unequivocally condemned as evil and a violation of human dignity .
Archbishop Naumann's call for prayers for Fr. Carasala's family, his parish, and even the perpetrator reflects the Church's emphasis on forgiveness and the need for reconciliation . While justice must be served, the Church also calls for compassion and prayer for all those affected by this senseless act of violence . The community is encouraged to seek healing through faith and to embody the Christian values of love and forgiveness, even in the face of such a profound loss .