AMERICA/UNITED STATES - Priest found dead in his parish in Brownsville

Brownsville (Agenzia Fides) – A Catholic priest was found dead, victim of an apparent suicide according to the police report. Agents were called to Barnard Road and Los Ebanos Boulevard on the morning of Monday, 21 February, when the body of Father Ricardo Garcia, aged 49, was found in the rectory of the parish of Mary Mother of the Church. Judge Tony Torres declared the time of death to be 7.30am on Monday, 21. According to police, the death of Fr Garcia seems to be a suicide. An autopsy has also been ordered. Details have not been released, nor a possible motive or the way he died. Brownsville police said the case remains under investigation.
For this reason, the Diocese of Brownsville issued a statement late afternoon on Tuesday, 22 February: “Out of respect for the family, we do not wish to delve into the circumstances of his death,” says the communication. “The police statement indicates that this is an apparent suicide.” The diocese has asked the community to pray and to offer moral support. “This is a time of great sorrow,” continues the statement. “The whole community is suffering and we're all trying to make sense of this tragedy.” The parishioners reported that Father Garcia seemed to be in good spirits on Sunday, 20 February, and had recently returned from a spiritual retreat. The funeral Mass was celebrated on Friday, 25, at the Basilica of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle. (CE) (Agenzia Fides, 01/03/2011)