This month we celebrated a pillar of the One Heart Uganda program – our friend and leader, Fr. Matthias Kakooza, with a dedicated colorful pillar installed on Addison Street in front of St. Andrew School. Since 2003, Fr. Matthias has visited our community, connected our worlds and initiated life-changing programs that provide access to clean water, build elementary and secondary schools, and improve students’ lives through academic scholarships.
Students Kyra Hudson (St. Andrew 8th grader) and Raisa Gwyneth Javan (Chicago Waldorf School freshman) painted the One Heart Uganda pillar in June. Along with 150 other families and students, they created the 32 Pillars of Faith that are a visible reminder to passers-by to respond to one another in peace.
Roscoe Village artist, Heather Gentile Collins designed the pillar concept in conjunction with St. Andrew principal, Al Ackermann. Ray Piazzi, of Piazzi Building and Remodeling, coordinated the purchase of materials and installation of the pillars, including the special dedication plaques.
Our plaque reads: Dedicated to Fr. Matthias Kakooza, whose vision and leadership, has connected our hearts and our schools from Chicago to Uganda. On September 18, St. Andrew pastor, Fr. Sergio Romo, blessed the pillars to the delight of parents and children attending.
