It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we share the tragic death of Father Arul Carasala, a beloved Catholic priest in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Father Carasala was fatally shot on Thursday in Seneca, Kansas, in a senseless act of violence that has left our community and the faithful heartbroken.
Father Carasala had faithfully served the Archdiocese for over 20 years. Since 2011, he had been the devoted leader of Saints Peter and Paul Parish in Seneca, where he touched the lives of countless parishioners with his compassion, generosity, and unwavering faith. Ordained in 1994, he came to Kansas in 2004 at the invitation of then-Archbishop James Keleher, where he quickly became a cherished member of our clergy.
Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann described Father Carasala as a “devoted and zealous” priest whose dedication to his ministry and love for his people left a profound and lasting impact. He was known for his kindness, his strength of character, and his commitment to serving others.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Father Carasala’s family, his parishioners, fellow clergy, and all those who were touched by his ministry. Father Carasala’s legacy of love, service, and faith will continue to inspire all who knew him.
May he rest in peace.
