Riddle of young priest found dead on beach 5,200 miles from home
Police probe over Indian-born cleric, 33
THE search for a missing young Catholic priest has ended in tragedy after his body was discovered on a beach.
Father Martin Xavier Vazhachira had caused concern about his whereabouts and safety following his disappearance from St John the Baptist Church in Corstorphine, Edinburgh.
The 33-year-old Indian-born priest was last seen on Tuesday afternoon but vanished, leaving behind his wallet, passport and other personal belongings in his room.
Yesterday it was confirmed by the Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh and Police Scotland that his body had been found late on Friday on a beach at Dunbar, East Lothian.
The cause of the priest’s death remains unexplained, with police and forensic experts continuing to investigate as they await the results of a post-mortem examination.
Last night Father Martin Xavier’s family, who live in Kerala in southern India, were being informed of the tragic news, with senior officers from Police Scotland making contact with their counterparts in the state capital Thiruvannthapuram. Archbishop Leo Cushley, of St Andrews and Edinburgh, led the tributes to the priest, who only arrived in Scotland last summer. He said: ‘The news of Father Martin Xavier’s death comes as a great shock and a great sadness to all those who knew him and loved him. ‘Our thoughts and, more importantly, our prayers are with him and with all his loved ones in both Scotland and India. May he rest in peace.’
Today the archbishop will attend St John’s to offer Holy Mass and provide support and comfort to worshippers as they to come to terms with the sad news.
Nearly 100 messages of sympathy have already expressed on social media at the loss of the popular priest. Kirsty Lewis wrote: ‘RIP very sad news indeed. Thoughts and prayers for his fam- ily, friends and the parishioners of the parish.’
Rachel McNish posted: ‘So very, very sad. Such a loss to the world.’
It is understood parishioners raised the alarm after Father Martin Xavier failed to turn up for Mass on Wednesday morning.
After an initial search of the parish premises failed to find him, the Archdiocese hierarchy contacted Police Scotland to report him missing.
Knowing his love of walking and the outdoor life, police and a close friend later urged local residents and dog walkers to come forward if they had seen the priest in the Corstorphine Hill area.
Unconfirmed media reports in India last night suggested Father Martin Xavier had contacted his family and relatives by phone on Tuesday night.
It is believed he told his sisters and his brother Thankachan Vazhavara that he had been suffering from fever.
Father Martin Xavier was ordained a priest of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate Order in 2013. On arriving in Scotland, he served initially in Falkirk before being appointed as an administrator in Corstorphine several months later.
Officials in Kerala have confirmed they will be seeking to have his body returned home.
Police Scotland confirmed the priest’s body was found at West Barns in Dunbar. A spokesman said: ‘The discovery was reported to police at 4pm on Friday. The family has been informed.’
‘So very sad, such a loss to the world’