In recent weeks, Bishop Garcia expressed that he has not being feeling well and decided to clear his calendar to take time to rest.
During this time, we have been able to assist him in seeing several doctors in order to provide him with needed medical attention. It was confirmed just this past Friday that Bishop Garcia has the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Members of his family have been with him since April 10, 2018. Together with a few members of the staff, we are being attentive to his needs and care, while seeking excellent medical care and advice. This news has taken some time for Bishop to adjust to as it has only been in the last few weeks that signs of this disease have become more pronounced and evident to him.
Together with his family and doctors, we have first focused on his well-being and personal care. No further decisions have been made, but in the interim, I will do my best going forward to lead us through this process. I ask that you pray for Bishop Garcia, his family, his staff and our entire diocese. At the same time, please respect his privacy. In this time of adjustment, please refrain from calling him, but rather, we encourage you to send him a note or a card with the promise of your support and prayers.
Please send it addressed as follows: Bishop Richard Garcia c/o Diocese of Monterey P.O. Box 2048 Monterey, CA 93942 I will be sure that Bishop Garcia receives your cards of encouragement and love as he faces the road ahead. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Through the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe and St. Junipero Serra, may God bless, comfort and guide Bishop Garcia and our entire diocese.
From Diocese of Monterey Pastoral Office.
Let us all pray for Bishop Garcia.
My father has dementia.
Dementia, including Alzheimer’s, is a strange and terrible disease, and virtually every case is different.
Lord, have mercy on Your servant, Bishop Garcia, and his loved ones.
I commend the Bishop for seeking medical and other assistance as this progressive disease develops. I hope the Vatican promptly appoints a successor if necessary.
I certainly wish him the very best, mean him no ill will and will certainly pray for him but one has to ask why he has not offerred his resignation.
I suspect he will retire sooner rather than later. He has lost a great deal of weight and looks quite fragile.
He will do that, if he hasn’t done it yet. Let’s keep praying for him
Richard Garcia was a breath of fresh air when he arrived in Monterey. NOT just another former auxiliary bishop from Los Angeles. I will pray for his recovery.
I am absolutely frightened at the sort of man Pope Francis might appoint to Monterey. We need a conservative bishop who is respectful of the wonderful traditions of this diocese.
God bless Bishop Garcia. This is so sad. He and all have my prayers.
Our beloved Bishop has passed away. God bless his soul for his kind and pastoral care, he will be greatly missed. Requiem aeternam dona ei, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat ei. Requiescat in pace. Amen.
Funeral Arrangements for Bishop Richard Garcia
Monday July 16 —Body lying in repose
Location: San Carlos Cathedral, 500 Church St. Monterey Ca
Time: 2 p.m.—8 p.m.
Time: 7 p.m. Evening Prayer
Tuesday July 17
Location: Madonna del Sasso, 320 East Laurel St. Salinas Ca
Time:12-8 p.m. Visitation
Time: 3 p.m. Rosary
Evening Prayer: 5 p.m. (for lay people, priests and religious from neighboring Dioceses)
Evening Prayer: 7 p.m. (for the general public)
Wednesday July 18
Location: Madonna del Sasso, 320 East Laurel St. Salinas…