SENECA, Ks. – A beloved Catholic priest was shot and killed Thursday in this northern Kansas Nemaha County town of some 2,100 residents.

Father Arul Carasala, a native of India, was killed in the rectory of St. Peter and Paul Parish, where he became pastor in 2011.

Gary Hermesch, 66, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was reportedly arrested in connection with the shooting. No motive has been released.

Father Carasala was ordained in 1994 in India before coming to Kansas in 2004 at the invitation of then-Archbishop James P. Keleher. Carasala became an American citizen in 2011.

Though a priest, Carasala was affectionately hailed as the “Bishop of Nemaha” by Father Joel Haug of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in nearby Sabetha at a Knights of Columbus rosary service Thursday evening.

“He knows your family better than you know your own family,” Haug said. “He knows all of your relatives, he knows all of your friends.”

Archbishop Joseph Naumann released a statement expressing his deep sorrow:

“I am heartbroken to share the tragic news of the death of Fr. Arul Carasala, who was fatally shot earlier today,” Naumann wrote on Facebook on behalf of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. “This senseless act of violence has left us grieving the loss of a beloved priest, leader, and friend. …

“His love for Christ and His Church was evident in how he ministered to his people with great generosity and care. His parishioners, friends, and brother priests will deeply miss him. …

“There is no ongoing threat to the community, but I recognize the pain and shock that such an event brings. In moments like these, we turn to our Lord, who is close to the brokenhearted. As we grieve, may we find strength in our faith and in the hope of Christ’s Resurrection. …

“Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”