Photo courtesy of Church of the Transfiguration
The Roman Catholic Church of the Transfiguration in Fincastle welcomed its third resident pastor in June 2023. Father Paul Lagco was named Parish Administrator by Barry Knestout, Bishop of the Diocese of Richmond. He succeeds Father Steve McNally, who passed away unexpectedly in January.
Father Paul was born in Sorsogon, Philippines, not far from the Mayon Volcano, famous for its symmetrical conical shape. He is the youngest of nine children and was raised as a Catholic by his parents.
“As a family, we always attended the Sunday Mass together every weekend,” he recalls. “My Mom was very prayerful and started the day at 4 a.m kneeling before our small home altar and praying until the sun rose.”
Father Paul has been serving the Diocese of Richmond for four years. Prior to coming to Fincastle, he was parish vicar of St. Theresa Parish in Farmville. Despite the good example his parents provided, Father Paul shared that his life got “derailed during his younger years.”
“But the Lord came to help and rescue me from the pit of destruction,” he said. He credits his parish priest with helping him find his way back. “I was inspired by this priest’s way of life and zealousness for the ministry. Gradually, I entertained the thought of becoming a priest myself.”
He entered the seminary and finished his theology studies at the University of Santo Thomas in Manila, Philippines in 2011. He was ordained a priest November 21, 2012.
“Last year I celebrated a decade of God’s tremendous gift of priesthood,” said Father Paul. “If God is willing, I hope to serve the Diocese of Richmond for many years to come.”
Father Paul is delighted to be in Botetourt County and loves seeing the beauty of God’s creation around him. He loves nature and especially enjoys cycling, kayaking and camping.
“I am dreaming of riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle one of these days, “he admitted.
Father Paul invites members of the community to stop by and introduce themselves
“We strive to consistently live out the message of the Gospel and strive to grow individually and as a community,” he said of Transfiguration Parish. “We want to foster a welcoming community where each member will feel a sense of belongingness and are not strangers, but interconnected to one big family.”
Father Paul looks forward to building on what has already been done at Transfiguration to further develop this active parish community. This includes seeking out and helping those in need regardless of religious affinity and promoting respect for and outreach to other faith communities and the community at large.
“We want to provide an atmosphere of growth in faith through ongoing Christian formation and Sunday School classes,” he said. “Our solemn liturgical celebration provides an avenue to the congregation to experience the tremendous love of God through Jesus Christ.”
~ Submitted by Kathleen Morra-Sloan
may our loving God be with you always in your desire to bring people closer to Him.