The Church of the Transfiguration Roman Catholic Church in Fincastle, welcomed its new resident pastor with the arrival of Father Zaverio (Xavier) Banasula on July 1, 2024. Bishop Barry Knestout, bishop of the Diocese of Richmond, named Father Xavier pastor of Transfiguration as well as pastor of St. John the Evangelist church in New Castle. The most recent parish administrator, Father Paul Lagc, was called back to the Philippines by his bishop in the late spring.
Father Xavier served at churches in Russell and Wise Counties prior to his move to Fincastle. He was born and raised a Catholic in central Uganda in the country area of the Mityana district. He lived on his family’s farm with his nine brothers and four sisters. He knew he wanted to be a priest when he was in second grade.
“I was inspired by a priest who traveled by bicycle to visit my grandfather and other home-bound people in my village,” he explained. “My family was poor and I feared I could not attain my dream of priesthood due to tuition issues, but two special benefactors, Reinhilde Muller of Australia and Christin Kittumba of Uganda, helped me fulfill my dream.”
He earned degrees in Theology and Philosophy in Uganda and a Master of Education from the University of the People in the United States. He was ordained a priest in 2013 and came to the Diocese of Richmond in 2016.
Father Xavier is delighted to be in Botetourt and Craig, where he enjoys seeing nature every day.
“I love taking evening walks and hiking and seeing people connect in diverse ways as they get closer to God,” he said.
Some of the new initiatives Father Xavier has instituted include more daily Masses for the people of the parish and the area. In addition to the weekend Masses on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. and Sunday at 8:30 a.m. and the Wednesday morning Mass at 10, Father Xavier has added Masses on Fridays at 10 a.m. and will continue Mass and Adoration every first Friday of the month. For those who work during the day, there will is also a 6 p.m. Mass on Thursdays
In addition to his pastoral duties, Father Xavier is also actively involved in community outreach programs and welcomes those preparing for the sacraments of baptism and marriage to contact him. He visits sick members in the community as well.
“I welcome all people to the Church of the Transfiguration and Saint John the Evangelist at any time, including for Mass, adoration, silent prayer, and those seeking spiritual direction,” he said. “I look forward to learning about the area and working together with our wonderful parishioners to make the Church of the Transfiguration even better.”
~ By Kathleen Morra-Sloan for
Church of the Transfiguration
Fr. Xavier was our Chaplain for the UVA-Wise Catholic Campus Ministry. Both my wife and I are happy to hear that a priest so near and dear to us is being taken care of and is continuing his good work.
God bless you father.