Written by: George Jacobson
On September 17th, Providence Academy was visited by two special guests, Monsignor Matthew Odong and Father Rom Paul. Monsignor Odong is known as the “Ice Cream Priest” in the United States because of his love for ice cream. He and Father Paul come to PA annually to express thanksgiving for supporting their organization, Hope for Uganda.
Hope for Uganda was started in 1990 by Monsignor Odong along with a devout Minnesota couple Dan and Bobbi Vaughan. Odong’s mission was to bring hope to his homeland and re-open the Sacred Heart Seminary where Monsignor Odong has been rector for 34 years. Hope for Uganda also works to provide education and hope beyond the seminary. They opened the Archbishop Flynn Secondary School in 2009 which currently provides room and board for over 700 children. Monsignor Odong strives to make the Archbishop Flynn Secondary School just like Providence Academy.
“I began Archbishop Flynn Secondary School because I was so inspired by Providence Academy. When I saw this school I said, ‘God, I need to do something for the young people in Northern Uganda,’” Monsignor Odong said while speaking to the Middle School during lunch.
Father Rom Paul answers a Junior Religion Class’ questions about the faith. PAW Photo Credit: Liam Riley.
In 2014, the president of Uganda invited Monsignor Odong on a trip to the Vatican to meet the recently elected Pope Francis. Odong was given the honorary title of Monsignor after being recognized as a priest who has excelled in serving his people. Serving his community is what drove Monsignor Odong to the priesthood in the first place.
“I love to serve the people and I feel so happy being a priest, and being a priest who can bring others to God. I love to work with the young people, to guide them and to help them make the right decisions,” Odong said.
Monsignor Odong sang and played his Adungu, a stringed Ugandan instrument, in front of the middle school at lunch. He sang about his renowned love for ice cream. After he was showered with applause, the Middle School Student Council sold ice cream sandwiches to their fellow middle schoolers to support Hope for Uganda.
“I think it is important to support Hope for Uganda because it brings children joy, peace, and community to their school,” commented Charlie Semsch, ‘30, after buying an ice cream sandwich.
There are numerous ways to support Hope for Uganda. Prayers will always be an amazing way to help the mission. To donate or to find more information please visit the Hope for Uganda site: https://www.hopeforuganda.org/about.