The Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix issued a statement upon the news that one priest was killed and another critically injured in an attack on Wednesday night. “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 was killed during the apparent robbery. Fr. Terra remains in critical but stable condition.
The reported attack occurred at Mater Misericordiae Mission in Phoenix. The two priests lived at the church.
The Diocese issued a statement asking 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.”
According to the Arizona Republic, police had no suspects or solid leads as of Thursday afternoon.
Police Chief Daniel Garcia called the attack a “tragic and appalling criminal violation.” He reported that a 2003 Mazda belonging to the murdered priest was found abandoned a few blocks from the church.
According to Phoenix Police, Fr.Terra called 911 to report a burglary by an unknown white male entered the residence at the church at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday. The suspect assaulted Fr. Terra before assaulting and shooting Fr. Walker. Fr. Terra gave Fr. Walker the Last Rites as he waited for the police to arrive.
According to the Catholic Sun, “Both priests were known for their stalwart efforts on behalf of the unborn. They regularly prayed in front of abortion clinics in the Valley and were members of the Knights of Columbus.”
Phoenix City Councilman Nowakowski issued a statement: “My thoughts and prayers are with the Catholic Diocese of Phoenix, and Bishop Thomas Olmsted, and the families of Fathers Kenneth Walker and Joseph Terra. This tragedy has personally affected me as I used to work at the Catholic Diocese of Phoenix as the Director of Hispanic Ministries and Youth Ministries. The priests at the Catholic Diocese spend their lives serving others and the fact that there are individuals who would walk into a church and attack a man of the cloth is tragic. I urge anyone who knows anything about what happened at Mother of Mercy Mission Catholic Church Wednesday night to please call the Phoenix Police Department at 602-262-6151 or Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS (948-6377). Spanish speakers may call 480-TESTIGO (837-8446).”
Phoenix City Councilman Valenzuela called the situation tragic of the community. “My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims, the entire Catholic community, and the community at large,” Valenzuela said in a statement released Thursday. “I know the Phoenix Police Department will work to ensure the individual(s) responsible for this horrific crime are brought to justice.”