Priests Attacked in Phoenix

At my parish in Phoenix, Mater Misericordiae, the two priests were attacked last night and one of them, Fr. Walker, who was only 28, is dead.  Fr. Terra was injured severely and is in a local hospital.  Please remember both of them in your prayers.

April 19, 2014 - Frs. Walker and Terra at Easter Vigil

I posted the above this morning, I didn't have much time because I was just waking up to get ready for work when I heard the news.  My heart is very heavy with sadness for both priests, one whose suffering was over quickly, the other who continues to struggle for life.

We've lost a great soldier for Christ and a well loved spiritual leader in Phoenix.  The FSSP has lost a brother and the whole Catholic community, especially in the Diocese of Phoenix is in mourning.

Fr. Walker's parents were in Chesapeake, VA when they heard the news and left early this morning for Phoenix.  Five priests of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter (FSSP) in the Diocese of Richmond will offer a Solemn Requiem Mass on Monday, June 16th at 6PM at St. Joseph's Church, 828 Buford Road, in Richmond, VA.  All are invited to assist at this Holy Mass.

Addendum 6/14/2014:
A report heard on the radio (still looking for a transcript of this) indicated that the suspect was arguing with Fr. Terra, when Fr. Terra tried to end the discussion the suspect started beating him.  At this point Fr. Walker came in and tried to stop the beating - and the suspect pulled a gun and shot Fr. Walker in the chest then fled - somehow attaining Fr. Walker's keys and taking his car which was found abandoned a few blocks away.

Fr. Terra was able to absolve Fr. Walker and administer Last Rites.  It was Fr. Terra who called 911 and as paramedics arrived he was, barely alive himself, still trying to perform CPR on Fr. Walker.  When help arrived Fr. Terra "went into survival mode" himself and was barely conscious.  The only description we have of the suspect is that he is a white male in his 40s - and the police are not definitively saying there is only one suspect.

Fr. Terra's condition has improved to "stable" but is still in critical care.  Please continue praying.

Mass Times for Sunday will be at regularly scheduled times:
7am - Low Mass
9am - Low Mass
11am - High Mass

Addendum 1 - 6/16/2014:
An arrest has been made.  No details as yet.  More to follow.

Fr. Terra's condition is improving and is expected to make a full recovery, he has been moved out of ICU.

Requiem Mass for Fr. Walker, was held at 10am at St. Catherine of Sienna Church in Phoenix, June 16.  Fr. Terra was in attendance, in a wheelchair.

Addendum 2 - 6/16/2014:
The man arrested, based on "strong physical evidence" from the scene was Gary Michael Moran.  Moran was recently released from prison where he served 8 years out of a 10 year sentence - he was released in April of this year.

Gary Michael Moran - Suspect in murder of Fr. Walker and beating of Fr. Terra.

Addendum 6/22/2014:

"June 11th is the best day in the life of Gary Moran," according to Fr. Lee who preached on the Feast of Corpus Christi at Mater Misericordiae Mission in Phoenix, "for he now has Fr. Walker, the priestly fraternity of FSSP, the parishners of Mater Misericordiae Mission and countless other Catholics praying for the salvation of his soul."  May God have mercy on him and bring his soul to salvation in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  

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When I hear more, I'll post here.

A very fitting rendition of Pie Jesu by "The Priests"

Eternal Rest, Fr. Kenneth Walker

Please pray for the repose of Fr. Walker's soul and the consolation of his family as well as the full recovery of Fr. Terra.

To hear Fr. Walker preaching, here is a video of his sermon on the 9th Sunday after Pentecost, I am assuming it is from 2013.