In 1990, the Bishop of Gulu sent a 30-year-old priest named Fr. Matthew Odong on a mission to Minnesota. His story captured the hearts of a devout couple named Dan and Bobbi Vaughan. His charisma and intelligence attracted them to his cause, and they invited him into their home for a meal with ice cream for dessert. Through him they learned the story of his terribly war-torn homeland and its people.
Following Fr. Matthew's visit to the United States, he was appointed Rector of Sacred Heart Seminary (SHS), a minor seminary and secondary school in Gulu, Northern Uganda. His mission was to re-open the school despite continued violence by area rebels. During those horrific times, he found it difficult to raise money for the school. His dream was to bring hope to his people through faith and education.
By the time the war ended in 2006, most of the secondary schools in Northern Uganda had been destroyed. SHS survived, but there was a great need to rebuild an additional school. In 2009, Archbishop Flynn Secondary School (AFSS) opened its doors for boys and girls in Pader District, Northern Uganda. Today, both schools are thriving. They provide a high-quality education with room and board in a safe, nurturing, and faith-filled environment. In the 2024 school year, SHS admitted 225 young men to study for the priesthood. At AFSS, enrollment continues to grow with a total of 725 students for this term, including 385 boys and 340 girls.
David Fagerlee Medical Clinic (DMFC) opened its doors in 2016 to provide quality healthcare in rural Uganda. In addition to serving general medical needs and offering care for expectant mothers, the clinic creates a myriad of job opportunities for the local community.
In 2017, 261 acres of land were purchased. Throughout the years, generous benefactors have donated critical farm equipment and supplies. There have been several successful harvests that help feed students and provide income and sustainability for the schools.
