Seneca, KS — A community in northeastern Kansas is mourning the loss of a beloved local priest, who was fatally shot at his parish residence on Thursday. Father Arul Carasala, the pastor of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca since 2011, was approached by an older man and shot three times, resulting in his death shortly after at a nearby hospital.
Archbishop Joseph Naumann of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas expressed his profound sorrow over the incident. “We are deeply grieved by this senseless act of violence that took from us not just a stalwart leader but a dear friend,” Naumann remarked. The archbishop confirmed that the suspect involved in the shooting is in custody, providing some reassurance to the shaken community.
The tragic event unfolded at the church rectory, a detail shared by the parish through their social media. Carasala, originally from India and a U.S. citizen since 2011, has been remembered for his dedication and service. Ordained in 1994, he had been serving in Kansas for nearly two decades.
Local law enforcement and the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office have been tight-lipped about the incident, deferring all inquiries to County Attorney Brad Lippert, who was not immediately available for comments.
This tragic incident has particularly rocked the town of Seneca, which has a small population of about 2,100. Located approximately 60 miles north of Topeka and 90 miles northwest of Kansas City, Seneca is a close-knit community where such violent acts are rare and profoundly felt.
During his tenure, Father Carasala not only led his parish but also served as the dean of the Nemaha-Marshall region. His commitment to his faith and his community was well recognized and appreciated. “His love for Christ and His Church was evident in how he ministered to his people with great generosity and care,” Naumann added.
Kris Anderson, the parish’s director of religious education, noted the shock within the community: “He was not just a spiritual leader but a part of our lives. To have his presence taken away so abruptly is devastating for all of us.”
As the community grapples with this loss, details about the motive or the identity of the shooter have not been disclosed. The archbishop’s message highlighted that while there is no ongoing threat to public safety, the mourning process for a figure like Father Carasala underscores the bond he had formed with his parishioners and peers.
This loss resonates beyond Seneca, touching all corners of the Archdiocese and the broader religious community across the region. Father Carasala’s legacy of dedication and service will be remembered as a testament to his life and work, even as the community seeks solace and justice in the wake of his untimely death.