Pastoral Leadership

Father Al was born in his beloved Brooklyn, New York in 1963. His father Louis Henry was a veteran of World War Two and the Korean War, receiving a Purple Heart in 1950. His mother, Anna Palombo, was a dressmaker and seamstress as well as a good pianist. At the age of nine, Father Al began studying the violin, a pursuit that soon developed into a great passion. After graduating from Saint Francis Xavier High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, he studied music at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, receiving his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Cincinnati and his Master of Music degree from Yale University.

Throughout his career as a professional musician, Father Al kept close ties with his local parishes, and before long the lure of being a diocesan priest became very strong. He entered Saint Vincent the Paul Regional Seminary in 1995, as a seminarian for the Diocese of Saint Augustine. He was ordained a priest in 2001 by Bishop John J. Snyder. Father Al’s first assignment as a parish priest was right here at Queen of Peace Catholic Community, beginning in June of 2001. Until this day, he considers Father Jeff McGowan a real inspiration and priestly mentor, especially in terms of living and preaching Stewardship as a Way of Life. After Queen of Peace, Father Al served as a Parochial Vicar at San Jose Parish in Jacksonville, Florida and as Pastor at Santa Maria del Mar in Flagler Beach.

He continues to have a very close bond with the Institute for Priestly Formation in Omaha, Nebraska, community of priests, religious and lay people who are dedicated to the spiritual formation of diocesan priests. The motto of the Institute, known as IPF, is “cultivating interiority for the sake of mission.” Father Al has a keen interest in incorporating the teaching of the great Christian mystics into the ordinary ups and down of everyday life.

In addition to his love for the mystical tradition of the Church, Father Al is an avid fan of the New York Yankees. He also enjoys visiting his family, both in the New York/New Jersey area and around the city of Naples, Italy.

Following high school, I attended the University of Miami where I received a B.A. in religion with a minor in chemistry. Afterwards, I began my medical school at St. George’s School of Medicine following the invasion of Grenada by the U.S. After a semester there, I came back to an affiliated program with Barry University in Miami where I completed up to 2 ½ years into medical school and earned a Master’s Degree in Biological and Biomedical Sciences. Following this, I transferred into the second year at the University of Miami Medical School where I graduated in 1988.

I married in 1987 and was blessed with three wonderful children!!! Following graduation, I entered private practice in Coral Springs, Florida and then spent the next 5-6 years practicing Pediatric Emergency Medicine. In 1998, after missing one to many of my daughter’s soccer games, we relocated to Jacksonville, Florida where I took a position with a large Family/Pediatric practice. I remained with them for 18 years.

Unexpected life events altered my course. Subsequently, I discerned a call to priesthood. Six years later, I entered seminary in 2016. My years in seminary were exceedingly joyful and rich. I completed my Masters of Divinity in 2020 and was ordained on June 20 of this year. I have been overwhelmed by the privilege and blessing to serve as a priest of Jesus Christ. The clergy, staff and people of Queen of Peace have been exceptional in their welcome and hospitality. My heartfelt gratitude goes out to each and every one of you and I look forward to many Grace-filled years with you. Together, as a family, we will fall more in love with Jesus.

Fr. Figi was born as the third son of  N.J. Varkey and Thresiama in Parathodu, Kerala, India on September 21st 1974. Fr. Philip has 2 brothers and 2 sisters. His father left for his heavenly home on February 18, 2019. His mother is in good health. His youngest sister is a Carmelite nun, pursuing her PhD in Biotechnology in Lucknow, India.  His eldest brother is a Mechanical Engineering Manager in Chihuahua, Mexico.

Fr. Figi entered the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate Order (CMI) on March 19, 1995. As a young boy, he had an earnest desire to become a priest and serve the people of God. He was ordained a priest on December 31st, 2006.

Fr. Figi has Bachelor Degrees in Philosophy, Theology, Education and a Master Degree of Science (Physics) from Christ College, Bangalore University, India. He has served as Principal at various Higher Secondary Schools at Theni, Pala, Amanakara and Koothattukulam, Kerala. He has also worked as a Pastoral Associate at St. Pius Chapel, Amanakara, and St. John the Baptist Church Vadakara, all in India.

Fr. Figi joins Queen of Peace after serving as Parochial Vicar of Holy Faith Catholic Church, Gainesville during the spring of 2021.