Father “Arul” Raj Balaswamy Carasala, 57, the beloved priest at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Seneca, tragically lost his life on Thursday, April 3, 2025, in a fatal shooting outside his home.

Father Arul was born to Balaswamy Carasala and Dhanam (Gorla) Carasala on June 7, 1967, in Kilacheri, Tamil Nadu, India. From an early age, he was deeply inspired by his faith, attending school in India and nurturing his calling to the priesthood. He was especially influenced by the faith of his parents, which played a significant role in his decision to become a priest. His mother’s daily devotion to the church and the faith she instilled in him and his sister laid a strong spiritual foundation in his life. From his father, he inherited a calm, gentle, and kind nature that made people feel seen and heard.

Father Arul’s educational journey began in the heart of Tamil Nadu, India, where he graduated from Don Bosco Higher Secondary School in Pannur in 1982. Located in a village close to his hometown, Don Bosco was a school with a rich heritage, and Father Arul always took great pride in having studied there. His academic path soon led him to St. Peter’s Minor Seminary in Cuddapah, where he spent two formative years from 1982 to 1984, deepening both his education and spiritual calling. After returning to Don Bosco for his final years of high school from 1984 to 1986, Father Arul continued his seminary studies at St. John’s Seminary in Vizag, where he honed his theological and pastoral understanding from 1986 to 1989. The following year, in 1989, he dedicated himself fully to his pastoral year, solidifying his commitment to serving others.

Father Arul’s theological training reached its pinnacle at Vianny Seminary in Eluru, where he studied from 1990 to 1993. During these years, his faith and dedication to the priesthood grew stronger. His journey toward the priesthood culminated when he was ordained a priest on March 4, 1994, for the Diocese of Cuddapah, a diocese with over 6 million people, where Catholics represent just 1.4 percent of the total population. He then served as an associate pastor at Holy Family Church in Porumamilla from 1994 to 1995, followed by roles as diocesan secretary and pastor in various locations, including Jammalamadugu, Pileru, and Chittoor.

In addition to his religious training, Father Arul pursued academic degrees in sociology, earning his Bachelor’s degree from Kakatiya University in 1990 and later his Master’s from Madurai Kamaraj University in 1999. His academic pursuits were not just a means of personal growth but also a foundation for his deep understanding of the human experience, which he applied in his pastoral work, enriching the lives of those he served. His educational journey, both spiritual and academic, laid the groundwork for a life dedicated to the service of his community and his faith.

In 2004, Father Arul was invited by Archbishop James P. Keleher to visit Kansas and potentially serve in the Archdiocese. Embracing this opportunity, he moved to Kansas, where he quickly became a cornerstone of the local Catholic community. Father Arul began his ministry as an associate pastor at Augustine Parish in Fidelity, Sacred Heart Parish in Sabetha, and St. James Parish in Wetmore. He was later appointed pastor of four parishes: St. Vincent de Paul in Onaga, St. Patrick Parish in Corning, St. Bede Parish in Kelly, and St. Columbkille in Blaine. Father Arul’s dedication and leadership were especially evident in his role as pastor of Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Seneca, beginning on July 15, 2011. During his time there, he oversaw a $4 million renovation and narthex construction to the 1886 church. He saw the added narthex as a place of warmth and welcome, where life and love could be shared by members—a place to welcome guests, share burdens, and celebrate each other’s joys and accomplishments. Father’s vision was to take the history of the beautiful place of worship and enhance it, transforming it into a gem of the archdiocese. He also oversaw the Knights of Columbus’ $600,000 construction of a new Parish House—projects that will stand as lasting testaments to his vision and commitment to the church.

Father Arul’s impact extended beyond the walls of the church. His gentle spirit and genuine care for the children of Sts. Peter & Paul School inspired many young hearts, as he connected with them through teaching, humor, and heartfelt encouragement. He looked forward to the Kelly Youth Rally each August, a religious event for 7th–12th graders from Nemaha and Marshall counties, which had been started in 1998. In addition, a foundation he supported and held close to his heart was the Sacred Heart Charity Association, an orphanage in India, where he was serving as the charity’s President.

On May 20, 2011, Father Arul proudly became a U.S. citizen at the Federal Courthouse in Topeka, Kansas. His deep appreciation for the religious freedom available in the United States was evident when he spoke to the congregation, saying, “I am proud to be a United States citizen and to enjoy the freedom to preach the Gospel.” While he embraced his American citizenship, Father Arul’s strong connection to his Indian heritage remained intact. As an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI), he enjoyed the benefits of both his Indian and American identities, and he often remarked that while his primary citizenship was in the United States, the church and his faith were universal, making him feel at home wherever he was.

For Father Arul, becoming an American was more than just a legal process—it was a personal journey that allowed him to grow in both his individuality and his faith. He said, “I am not losing anything by becoming an American citizen. I am adding more to who I am. I can continue to identify with where I came from, and at the same time, embrace my new American identity. This has given me more opportunities to grow for the betterment of myself, my faith, and my goals.” During the COVID-19 pandemic, when the faithful could not gather in person, Father Arul took an innovative step to bless the entire county. Together with Father Reginald Saldanha, he took to the skies, flying over the region to sprinkle holy water across Nemaha County—a heartfelt gesture that brought hope and connection to the community during a time of isolation.

Father Arul was also a vibrant, fun-loving individual who shared his Indian heritage with those around him. He delighted parishioners by preparing delicious Indian dishes for church gatherings and contributed meals for auction to benefit the Baileyville Benefit and the Church’s Labor Day Picnic. He also embraced the local culture with an open heart. He relished the calm of small-town life, spending his days riding his bike through familiar streets and always ready to lend a hand to anyone who needed help. Father always desired to be a fatherly figure—someone who could guide others through sorrow and be a steady presence in their lives.

Father Arul’s warm spirit, sense of humor, and generous heart will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Family was incredibly important to him, and he made it a priority to visit them as often as possible. Even when he was far from home, especially during his years in the U.S., he stayed closely connected to his family. He made sure to call every day, sharing his own life and checking in on theirs, staying present even from a distance. His love for his family ran deep, and he was always there for them when it mattered most. He took great pride in his niece and nephew, always encouraging them to pursue their dreams. Father Arul cherished the time he spent with them and was looking forward to a 2025 summer adventure, planning a road trip with them from Seneca to Canada.

He was preceded in death by his father, Balaswamy, on January 2, 2007, and his mother, Dhanama, on December 15, 2024. He is survived by his sister, Zeeta Louie, and her husband, John Puthota; his niece, Joshvi Christina; and his nephew, Joe Nikesh.

Father Arul’s untimely passing leaves a profound void in the lives of all who were touched by his kindness, wisdom, and unwavering faith. He also had a playful side—he genuinely enjoyed spending time with the school children, and he cherished those moments. He greeted them with “high-fives” each morning as they entered school. Growing up in a small village where everyone knew each other truly shaped who he was– grounded, compassionate, and deeply community-oriented. These qualities followed him everywhere and made him the person he was and the reason he was so cherished in Seneca. May he rest in eternal peace.

Father Arul will lie in state at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. Rosary prayers will be offered at 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM, and 7:00 PM. Father will lie in state with an overnight vigil until 9:00 AM on Thursday.  A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, April 10, 2025. The Mass will be streamed on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/live/nTkaBA4zrAY), there will be limited seating. Following the service, Father Arul will return to India, where a Funeral Mass will be celebrated at his home parish, Sacred Heart Church, Kilachery Parish in Kilacheri, Tamil Nadu. His Funeral Mass will be live streamed on YouTube. He will be laid to rest at Sacred Heart Church Cemetery with his parents.

Memorials may be made to Fr. Arul Carasala Memorial 411 Pioneer Seneca, Kansas 66538.