Report and pics from Daijiworld News Network's special correspondent

Panaji, Mar 18 (11-45 pm): Goa Church has condemned the cold-blooded murder of diocesan priest Fr Eusebio Ferrão, who was found dead at his official residence early Saturday morning.

Fr Eusebio's bed next to which his body was found, partly seen covered in green bedsheet

"We condemn this grave act of cowardice on our priest and appeal to the authorities concerned to take urgent and concerted measures to nab the culprits at the earliest," said a statement released here by *Diocesan Centre For Social Communications Media.*

Shocked and anguished crowds gathered near the Macasana church on Saturday morning

Fr Ferrão, a 61-year old priest, served the diocese in different capacities in the parishes of Piedade-Divar, Ambelim-Assolna, Carambolim and Agacaim.

He was also the member of the Diocesan Commission for Liturgy and served as Dean of the Goa Velha deanery. He was the parish priest of St Francis Xavier parish, Macazana until his death.

"We ardently pray for our brother priest, Fr Eusebio Ferrão that he may enjoy the eternal abode of our Heavenly Father, for which we all yearn," the statement adds.

Click here to read Daijiworld's flash report of murder, Saturday March 18. 10-15 am, with later updates