Fr. Joseph Kelly of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau wrote on Facebook that Harkins "was a few years ahead of me at Kenrick, and I always remember him as humble, quiet, prayerful, always joyful, and had a great love for the traditional liturgy."
Kelly requested prayers for the repose of Harkins' soul, and "for all those struggling with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, that they may know there is always hope even in the midst of the greatest darkness."
Fr. Adam Prichard of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois requested prayers for Harkin's soul, for his family, and for his parishioners.
"He was a good man and a good priest," Prichard wrote.
Fr. Cassidy Stinson of the Diocese of Richmond asked on Twitter that Catholics pray for all priests.
"I know from experience that it can be very hard to seek help and support when you're the one called upon to support everyone else," Stinson wrote.
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Fr. James Clark of Memphis wrote that he and Evans "were good friends in seminary. I never would have expected such a thing. May God give him eternal life and console his beautiful family. You are a priest forever, Fr. Evan."
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that "voluntary cooperation in suicide is contrary to the moral law," but adds that "grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or grave fear of hardship, suffering, or torture can diminish the responsibility of the one committing suicide."
"We should not despair of the eternal salvation of persons who have taken their own lives. By ways known to him alone, God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance. The Church prays for persons who have taken their own lives," the Catechism adds.
Funeral announcements for Harkins have not yet been announced.