Archbishop Gustavo Garca-Siller of San Antonio said in his sermon during the Wednesday funeral Mass celebrating the lives of Uvalde shooting victim Irma Garcia and her husband Joe Garcia, who died two days later of a heart attack, that the couple “witnessed to the love that comes from God.”
“Irma and Joe’s faith produced love.” They were witnesses to God’s love for them. “Their love showed through and was demonstrated by their dedication to each other, which extended to their children and community,” said Garca-Siller, who presided over the Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Uvalde on June 1.
The Garcias, who met in high school and began dating, have four children: Cristian, 23, and three teenagers, Jose, Lyliana, and Alysandra.
In a joint obituary, Irma Garcia, 46, and Joe Garcia, 50, say they “began their romance in high school and it blossomed into a love that was beautiful and compassionate.” They tied the knot on June 28, 1997.
“As the entire Church marks the awaiting of the Comforter — the Holy Spirit,” Garca-Siller said, “we all hope and pray to be instrument through which He himself gives peace to the hearts of Lyliana, Alysandra, Jose, Cristian, the entire Garcia family, and the other victims’ families.”
According to archdiocesan spokesperson Jordan McMorrough, the homily, which was nearly entirely delivered in English, had some Spanish terms.
“Their loss and suffering are part of our own tragedy as a community,” the archbishop remarked. We want to share our faith in the resurrection with those who are mourning and the rest of the world since we are all grieving.”
Garca-Siller quoted the Book of Revelation and added, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes.”
“She acted out of love till her last breath,” Garca-Siller said. His feelings for her were so powerful that his heart couldn’t hold them in. They trusted God because they understood His purpose was much above our comprehension. Their legacy is a testament to the fact that, despite everything, God is in charge.”
Garcia is said to have died while attempting to save her students.
“Via the gift of faith and our proximity to you, we are able to share in your pain,” he said, “so that through the Church you may be strengthened in your own faith and experience the solace that only God can provide.”
“Do not let your hearts be troubled,” he added, quoting John’s Gospel. “God, who is love himself, is the one who inspires love in our hearts,” he continued.
“Jesus has shared in our sorrow and death so that we may share in his resurrection and eternal glory in Heaven,” Garca-Siller added. He has genuinely vanquished death to save us through his own experience in the apparent foolishness of the Cross.”
“That is why we know for certain that the Risen One had long ago prepared houses in the Father’s house for Irma, Joe, and all the other victims of this catastrophe,” he continued. “We implore him to have pity on them.”
“Irma and Joe lived as God’s devoted children and reflected Him as proud parents,” the archbishop added. We have faith that they will continue to be proud parents, albeit in a different way, to their children and to all of us.”
“We will continue to look after their children as God’s family,” he stated. “We also have hope that Liliana, Alysandra, Jose, and Cristian will continue to make their parents proud as God’s loving and faithful children.” With your unwavering faith, hope, and love, honor the memories of your parents.”
“We are here to proclaim our faith in the Lord who is able to give our deceased loved-ones a joy that far exceeds our pain,” he concluded.
On May 24, a gunman opened fire at Uvalde’s Robb Elementary School, killing 19 students and two adults. Authorities on the scene shot and killed the shooter.
Joe Garcia died of a heart attack two days after learning of the loss of his wife, Irma.
Eleven of the Uvalde shooting victims were Sacred Heart parishioners, and each of their funerals is being held there.