I am truly happy to welcome Fr. Paul as St. Michael’s Parochial Vicar.  I asked him to jot down some of the things he said last week, so those who missed it can know what he said (especially the part about how handsome I am!).  Let us truly live the gift of welcoming that God has given us, as we include him in our family of Michaelonians!  Here is his note:

I’m Fr. Policarpio J. Lagco, but just call me Fr. Paul.  It is short and easy to say.  And St. Paul is my favorite saint. When I started to adopt his name, many good things happened in my life.  I came from the Philippines, particularly from the Diocese of Sorsogon.  I was ordained on November 21, 2012.  I am turning seven years in my priesthood this month. Our diocese sent us here to the Diocese of Richmond for a period of five years. I came with the other two priests from our diocese who came here in Virginia on October 23.  I am so blessed to be assigned in our parish, with a pastor who is so energetic, full of passion and vigor for the ministry, and, of course, charm for the people.  I am not handsome like Fr. Dan, but, hopefully, I can have more of his positive qualities.  I was so blessed and overwhelmed with the sincere and warm welcome from the parishioners.  I am here, because God sent me here.  I am surrendering everything to God to make my ministry effective.  I have to learn many things and I have to adjust to a lot of things, but with the help of prayers, I think everything will run smoothly with God’s grace.