We are deeply saddened to report that a priest of the Fraternity of St. Peter, Fr. Kenneth Walker, age 28, has been killed during a robbery at the Mater Misericordiae Mission in Phoenix, Arizona. The robbery took place Wednesday night about 9 p.m. (Mountain Standard time). His confrere Fr. Joseph Terra, 56, was seriously injured; I have been informed that his condition is currently listed as critical but stable. The local news report can be read here. Of your charity, please pray for the eternal repose of Fr. Walker, for Fr Terra’s recovery, for their families and for their parishioners. (This post will be updated as more information becomes available.)
Update: The North American District of the F.S.S.P. has issued the following statement.
The Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter mourns the death of Rev. Kenneth Walker, FSSP, who was murdered on June 11, 2014 at the Rectory of Mater Misericordiae Parish in Phoenix, Arizona, where he served as assistant priest. He was dearly loved by the faithful he served and his confreres in the Fraternity.
Fr. Joseph Terra was also injured in the assault; he is hospitalized and in critical but stable condition. We ask for your prayers for the health of Fr. Terra.
We ask for your prayers for the repose of the soul of Fr. Walker and that God might grant great consolation to his family and his parishioners in this terrible tragedy. Fr. Walker was ordained a priest in 2012, and was 28 years old.
Oremus: O God, Who didst give to thy servant, Kenneth, by his sacerdotal office, a share in the priesthood of the Apostles, grant, we implore, that he may also be one of their company forever in Heaven. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Requiem Aeternam dona ei, Domine.
Et lux perpetua luceat ei.
Requiescat in pace.
Update: Prayer intentions, letters and gifts of condolence, and memorials for Fr. Walker’s family may be sent to the following address:
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Walker
c/o St. John Vianney Chapel
14611B Waterman Crossing Road
Maple Hill, KS 66507
It has been reported that Fr. Terra was able to give Fr. Walker Extreme Unction and the Apostolic Pardon.
Update: The Cathedral of Ss. Simon and Jude in Phoenix will hold a special Holy Hour from 7-8 p.m. (MST) to pray for the repose of Fr. Walker and the recovery of Fr. Terra. (Link to address on googlemaps)
Update: The North American District of the F.S.S.P. has issued the following statement.
The Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter mourns the death of Rev. Kenneth Walker, FSSP, who was murdered on June 11, 2014 at the Rectory of Mater Misericordiae Parish in Phoenix, Arizona, where he served as assistant priest. He was dearly loved by the faithful he served and his confreres in the Fraternity.
Fr. Joseph Terra was also injured in the assault; he is hospitalized and in critical but stable condition. We ask for your prayers for the health of Fr. Terra.
We ask for your prayers for the repose of the soul of Fr. Walker and that God might grant great consolation to his family and his parishioners in this terrible tragedy. Fr. Walker was ordained a priest in 2012, and was 28 years old.
Oremus: O God, Who didst give to thy servant, Kenneth, by his sacerdotal office, a share in the priesthood of the Apostles, grant, we implore, that he may also be one of their company forever in Heaven. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Requiem Aeternam dona ei, Domine.
Et lux perpetua luceat ei.
Requiescat in pace.
Update: Prayer intentions, letters and gifts of condolence, and memorials for Fr. Walker’s family may be sent to the following address:
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Walker
c/o St. John Vianney Chapel
14611B Waterman Crossing Road
Maple Hill, KS 66507
It has been reported that Fr. Terra was able to give Fr. Walker Extreme Unction and the Apostolic Pardon.
Update: The Cathedral of Ss. Simon and Jude in Phoenix will hold a special Holy Hour from 7-8 p.m. (MST) to pray for the repose of Fr. Walker and the recovery of Fr. Terra. (Link to address on googlemaps)