By Katie Schleiss
UP Campus Ministry will hold a Memorial Mass tonight in honor of Juan Garcia, the freshman who went missing in March. The Multnomah County Sheriff's Department found Garcia's body off campus over the summer. Police say they did not suspect foul play in Garcia's disappearance or death.Garcia's father confirmed news of his son's death in a conversation Friday with the Rev. John Donato, C.S.C. Garcia's family requested privacy, and asked that details of Juan's death not be disclosed. According to Donato, family members gathered for a private funeral Mass in July in their hometown of Brookings, Ore., and do not plan to attend tonight's Mass at UP.Although Garcia was a UP student for only a few months, UP President the Rev. E. William Beauchamp, C.S.C., said his disappearance and death affected the campus community deeply. "From the time Juan was missing last March, we've been worried, as we would be about any student," said Beauchamp. "We are praying for the family during these difficult times."Reflecting on Garcia's death, the Rev. Thomas Doyle, C.S.C., said whenever a family or community loses somebody, there's an enormous void. "The loss of an individual creates loss in the community," Doyle said. "It's a grief that is unspeakable to his family and those who knew him."However, despite the tragedy, Doyle said there is reason for hope. "Our faith leads us to believe that life does not end with death," Doyle said. "We who have faith believe that life is changed and not ended."Tonight's Mass will be in the Chapel of Christ the Teacher at 7:30. Beauchamp will be the celebrant and the Rev. Jim Lies, C.S.C., will preach the homily.In addition, support for mourners is available through UP Campus Ministry and the University Health Center.
