A 20-year-old man recently set his home on fire, crashed his car into
a Raleigh parish, set fire to the sanctuary, and then killed himself by
gunshot, according to a Raleigh television station report. The January incident took place during the night; no parishioners were injured.
“With all the parishioners of St. Luke Parish along with all in the Diocese, I offer deep sympathy to the young man's family and assure them of our prayerful support, especially at this time of tragedy,” said Bishop Michael Burbidge. “We also express our gratitude to all the rescue personnel and officials who arrived so promptly on the scene and will continue to pray for them as they carry out their work.”
Parishioners now meet at a funeral home chapel for Mass.