Father Arul Carasala, a priest serving in Kansas, was fatally shot at his rectory in Seneca. A 66-year-old man from Oklahoma, Gary Hermesch, has been arrested and booked on suspicion of first-degree murder. The Archbishop of Kansas City, Joseph Naumann, expressed his grief and offered condolences. The motive for the shooting remains unclear as investigations continue. Prayer vigils were held at Sts. Peter and Paul Church, where Carasala served as pastor.
25 days ago
On April 3, 2025, Father Arul Carasala, a beloved priest, was fatally shot outside his rectory at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca, Kansas 1. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and the wider Archdiocese of Kansas City 2 5.
Gary Hermesch, 66, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was arrested at the scene and booked into the Nemaha County Jail on suspicion of first-degree murder 1 2. As of Friday, April 4, Hermesch had not been formally charged, and the motive for the shooting remained unclear 1 3. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office are continuing their investigation 1 3.
Father Arul Carasala, 57, served as the pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church since 2011 1 2. Ordained in 1994 in the Diocese of Cuddapah, Telangana, India, he arrived in Kansas in 2004 and became a U.S. citizen in 2011 1 2. He was invited to serve in the archdiocese by the late Archbishop James Keleher 1.
Hundreds of people gathered at Sts. Peter and Paul Church on the evening of April 3 for a prayer vigil 5. The vigil included a rosary, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, and an evening Mass celebrated by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann and concelebrated by eight priests 5. The community of Seneca, with a population of approximately 2,100, and surrounding towns are mourning the loss of Fr. Carasala 5 6.
Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann described Fr. Carasala as a "devoted and zealous pastor" who faithfully served the Archdiocese for over 20 years 1 3. He noted Fr. Carasala's love for Christ and his Church, evident in his generous ministry 1 3. Cardinal Anthony Poola of Hyderabad expressed his condolences and remembered Fr. Carasala's life and service 2. Senator Roger Marshall also expressed his sorrow 1.
During the prayer vigil, Father Joel Haug reminded the congregation to forgive, love, and not let anger grow in their hearts 5. Archbishop Naumann echoed this sentiment, urging prayers for the perpetrator and a response of love and mercy, following Jesus' example 1 5.
The Catholic Church firmly teaches that violence is inherently evil and unacceptable as a solution to problems . Pope John Paul II stated that violence is a lie against our faith and humanity, destroying what it claims to defend . The Church cannot accept violence, especially armed force, as a path to liberation, because it inevitably leads to more oppression .
However, the Church recognizes the legitimacy of self-defense and the defense of others. One may defend their own life or the life of another, even if it results in the aggressor's death, but using more force than necessary is unjust . Legitimate defense is considered a duty for those responsible for the lives of others, requiring them to repel aggression, even with armed force if necessary, to protect themselves and those entrusted to their care . The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that legitimate defense can involve a lethal blow to the aggressor .
The Church also acknowledges the concept of "just war," which recognizes that governments have a right to lawful self-defense against unjust aggression to protect the common good and innocent lives . However, war always involves the loss of life and causes great hardship, so it should be a last resort .
Forgiveness is central to Christian life and prayer . Jesus taught his disciples to love their enemies and demonstrated this by forgiving those who crucified him . Forgiveness is a high point of Christian prayer, possible through God's mercy and the Holy Spirit .
The "Our Father" prayer teaches that we ask for forgiveness as we forgive others . Forgiveness is a condition for reconciliation with God and with one another . Pope Francis emphasizes that God always forgives, and because we have been forgiven, we must forgive others .
Mercy and justice are intertwined. While forgiveness does not excuse evil, it has the power to give justice new content, expressed fully in forgiveness . Reparation for evil and compensation for injury are conditions for forgiveness .
The murder of Father Arul Carasala is a grave act of violence that the Church unequivocally condemns . In response to this tragedy, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann and Father Joel Haug called for forgiveness, urging the community to pray for the perpetrator and respond with love and mercy, following Jesus' example . This call aligns with the Church's teaching on forgiveness, even towards enemies .
While justice requires that the perpetrator be held accountable for his actions, the call for forgiveness reflects the Christian understanding that forgiveness is essential for healing and reconciliation . Forgiveness does not negate the need for justice, but it transcends it, offering a path towards overcoming evil with good . The community's response, gathering for prayer vigils and offering tributes to Fr. Carasala, demonstrates the strength and faith in the face of violence, embodying the Christian call to love and forgive .
The Catholic Church condemns violence as evil, while acknowledging the legitimacy of self-defense in certain circumstances . Forgiveness is a central tenet of Christian faith, essential for reconciliation and healing, even in the face of grave injustices . The call for forgiveness in response to Father Arul Carasala's murder reflects the Church's teaching to overcome evil with good and to embody Christ's love and mercy .