As the search continues for Franco Garcia, 21, a senior chemistry major in the Woods College of Advancing Studies and a resident of West Newton, Mass., Campus Ministry invites the BC community to attend one of many campus Masses to pray for his safe return and to remember his family and friends. Also, please feel free to visit any of the chapels on campus on your own or as a group.
Mass schedule:
Cushing Chapel (Connell School Of Nursing):
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday at 12 noon
Chapel closes at 11 p.m.
St. Joseph’s Chapel (Upper Campus)
Monday – Thursday at 10 p.m.
Chapel closes at midnight
St. Mary’s Chapel (Jesuit Residence)
Monday-Friday at 8 a.m., 11 a.m., & 12 noon
Chapel closes at 9 p.m.
Conte Forum (1st Floor Media Room)
Wednesday at 11:30 a.m.
Garcia was last seen late Tuesday night at Mary Ann’s bar in Cleveland Circle. His absence was reported to the police Thursday afternoon after he missed work and class on Wednesday, and neither friends nor family have seen or heard from him since Tuesday night. His vehicle was still parked on campus. He was last seen wearing a long-sleeved white-and-blue striped shirt, jeans, and glasses. Police reports list his appearance as 5-foot-9, 200 pounds.
Garcia, who resides with his parents, has been taking three classes at BC and plays clarinet in the symphony band and trombone in the marching band. He is also a certified pharmacy technician at a CVS in Waltham.
The Newton Police Department is the lead investigatory agency, with Boston College Police and Mass. State Police assisting. BC Police, as well as students, administrators and staff have been working around the clock to assist in the search. BC Vice President for Student Affairs Patrick Rombalski notified students of the situation by email on Saturday. Flyers and social media also are being used to assist in spreading the word about the search. Anyone with any information should contact Newton Police at 617-796-2100.
This week, State Police used side-scan sonar in the Chestnut Hill Reservoir, following a helicopter search of the area.
All Sunday liturgies on campus remembered Franco and his family in prayer, and the BC community is asked to continue to pray for them, as well as to share the missing person flyer and photos. More information will be posted to BC Info as it becomes available.
