Kansas Catholic priest dies after being shot at his church's rectory, leaving parish in 'state of shock'

A Catholic priest was tragically killed in Kansas after being shot at his church’s living quarters, leaving his community in disbelief, according to a colleague who spoke to Fox News Digital.

The suspect, Gary Hermesch, 66, from Tulsa, Oklahoma, was apprehended on Thursday after the incident at the Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca, as reported by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. Hermesch was arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder.

“The entire community is still reeling from the tragedy. This is a tight-knit rural area, and Father Arul was a highly respected pastor in Seneca, Kansas, serving there for more than 13 years,” shared Father Brian Schieber, a Vicar General for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, with Fox News Digital.

“A good shepherd knows his people by name, and Father Arul knew everybody. He, over these years, baptized so many people, did so many weddings, funerals, he was such a good confessor and present to people who were sick, had such pastoral wisdom, he is really beloved by everybody,” Schieber added.

A mass was held at Carasala’s church Thursday night in the wake of the shooting.

Nemaha County Sheriff's Office

Gary Hermesch was taken into custody in connection to the shooting. (Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office)

“Father Arul was a friend to me and a great priest,” Archbishop Joseph Naumann wrote on Facebook Friday after leading the mass. “I shared in my homily that being a priest today requires heroic love. That quality was evident in Father Arul, who left India to come to the heartland of America and serve the people of the Catholic Church in northeast Kansas.” 

“While we continue to mourn the loss of Father Arul, I pray that we will not lose hope. God is with us in our adversity,” Naumann added. “He can bring good out of evil. He can bring life out of death. Let us draw closer to Jesus during this time of sorrow and ask him to console our hearts.” 

Archbishop Joseph Naumann leads a mass

Archbishop Joseph Naumann leads a mass at the Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church on Thursday night. (Jay Soldner/The Leaven)

Schieber told Fox News Digital that “we are a small archdiocese, so we have about 150 priests and we all know each other really well. 

“We’re like brothers to each other. And Father Arul was really helpful to me personally and will be dearly missed,” he said.

The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas said “Father Arul was a faithful priest who devoutly served our archdiocese for more than two decades.

Carasala was found Thursday afternoon suffering from The Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church rectory

Carasala was found Thursday afternoon suffering from gunshot wounds outside the Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church rectory, officials said. (Jay Soldner/The Leaven)

“Ordained in March 1994 in his home Diocese of Cuddapah, India, he ministered at Sts. Peter and Paul… and also served as dean of the Nemaha-Marshall deanery. His deep faith, pastoral care, and generous spirit touched the lives of so many,” it added. “Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.” 

You May Also Like
Breaking: VA Officials Report 'Premeditated Stabbing' of Corrections Officers by MS-13 Gang Inmates

Several Firefighters Injured by Gunfire in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho – Possible Ambush Situation, Suspect Not Captured Yet

BREAKING Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office in Northern Idaho reporting an active shooter…
New Orleans jail escapee who begged Trump for help captured as manhunt targets last fugitive

Final fugitive in New Orleans jail escape, who pleaded with Trump for assistance, found as search ends.

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! One remaining Orleans Parish…
Dana Carvey Admits He Made Joe Biden Seem Mentally “Compromised” In His ‘Saturday Night Live’ Impersonation

Dana Carvey confesses to portraying Joe Biden in a way that made him appear mentally challenged on ‘Saturday Night Live’

Dana Carvey is sharing insights into the two-year process he undertook to…
Anti-Trump Republican Don Bacon won't run for reelection amid GOP civil war

Republican Don Bacon, critical of Trump, decides not to seek reelection during party division

A Republican representing a key swing congressional district will not run for reelection…
Haunting audio reveals firefighter's final moments as Idaho sniper unleashed terror on anniversary of terrifying local incident

Spine-chilling recording captures firefighter’s last moments during Idaho sniper attack on tragic local anniversary

Two firefighters in Idaho were fatally shot by a sniper on the…
Archaeologists make surprising discovery at hidden ancient city site

Archaeologists find unexpected artifacts at a secret ancient city location

The Spice Girls need to move aside, as girl power may have…
Iran acknowledges death toll from Israel's strike on notorious Evin prison

Iran confirms the number of casualties resulting from the attack on Evin prison by Israel.

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Iran acknowledged on Sunday…
Hurricane season is here, meteorologists are losing vital tool for forecasting: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – a crucial forecasting tool for meteorologists during hurricane season is missing

Meteorologists are losing a sophisticated tool that many say has proved invaluable…
HHS Finds Harvard in Violation of Title IX Over Antisemitism on Campus

Harvard Found in Violation of Title IX by HHS for Antisemitism on Campus

Harvard University might be feeling the heat today following an announcement made…
Ukraine moves toward withdrawing from treaty banning anti-personnel mines

Ukraine is progressing towards exiting a treaty that prohibits the use of anti-personnel mines.

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy…
Video shows what led up to Chicago shooting at Douglass Park that killed Marjay Dotson, injured Laquan McDonald's cousin

Video reveals events before fatal Chicago shooting at Douglass Park that claimed Marjay Dotson’s life and wounded Laquan McDonald’s relative

CHICAGO (WLS) — New video shows what led up to a deadly…
Beyonce's team breaks silence after harrowing mid-air car stunt leaves her screaming 'Stop' onstage

Beyonce’s team speaks out after frightening car incident in the air causes her to yell ‘Stop’ while performing

Beyoncé had a horrifying moment during her concert in her hometown of Houston,…