Arizona: Priest shot dead, another seriously injured

Fr. Kenneth Walker, FSSP gives a first blessing to Bishop Bruskewitz in 2012

A young priest was killed and another critically wounded in an attack at a Catholic church in Phoenix, Arizona on Thursday morning. Fr Kenneth Walker, 28, was killed. Fr Joseph Terra is in a critical condition in hospital.

Police received an emergency call from the Mater Misericordiae (Mother of Mercy) Mission Catholic Church, about mdnight. When they arrived, they found the two priests badly injured. Fr Walker died at the hospital.

In a statement the diocese of Phoenic said: 'We are stunned and deeply saddened to learn of the tragic assault perpetrated last night against Fr Joseph Terra and Fr Kenneth Walker, two religious order priests who belong to the Priestly Fraternity of St Peter. Fr Walker's life was taken. Fr Terra remains in critical condition but stable.

The reported attack occurred at Mater Misericordiae Mission in Phoenix. The police are still gathering information and trying to sort through the details of this senseless act of violence. We ask that people offer prayers for both priests, the religious community, their families and the parish.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.

 

The Priestly Fraternity of St Peter is a new order dedicated to promoting the Latin Mass.