Reverend Father Kenneth Walker (age 29) was shot dead by an unknown killer who also attacked Reverend Father Joseph Terra, 56, who remains hospitalized. Both are priests of the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter (FSSP).

In the midst of a horrible tragedy, the good news is that Father Terra absolved Father Walker just before the young priest died.

My first thought on hearing the news was, “Oh no. I wonder if they were in a ‘FSSP neighborhood.'” Usually the FSSP has their parishes in lower income, higher crime areas because of lack of funds or diocesan politics. From what I’ve put together it does seem that this parish was in such a neighborhood.

Our family belongs to a FSSP parish (Mater Dei in Irving Texas) and the first FSSP priest that I ever met was Father Terra. I remember going to confession to him for the first time and really changed me. He’s a good man and I trust they he will recover. He is strong and determined.

Pray for both priests, but especially for the repose of the soul of Father Walker.

Also, please consider donating for Father Walker’s funeral. There is a “GoFundMe” campaign already where you can donate whatever you can: Donation Campaign for Father Kenneth Walker FSSP.