OKLAHOMA CITY -

The Alumni Association of Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School has selected it's 2012 Alumnus of the Year.

Father Joe Uhen of the Santisimo Sacramento Parish of Piura, Peru has been selected to receive this years honor. He was presented with his award at the graduation ceremonies on May 15.

A native of Milwaukee, Uhen grew up in Oklahoma City and graduated from Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School in 1976. He attended the University of Notre Dame where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology in 1980. He later earned a Master's degree in Spirituality from the University of San Francisco.

In a parish that is home to over 40,000 people and 28 chapels, Uhen is the only pastor and priest. With help from two other retired priests, he holds up to 15 Masses each weekend.

Utilizing his connections from grade school, high school and university, Uhen started an outreach program for Peru's poor.

Since 1996 the program has helped built homes, kitchens, schools and chapels under the supervision of Uhen. But the biggest impact has been the support that Peru has received from his efforts.

Dozens of high school youth groups, medical missions, university volunteers and families have traveled to Pirua and helped thousands of Peruvians.

Another program Uhen started, called "Family to Family," has allowed the adoptions of needy families in Peru to more fortunate families in other countries. To date more than 1400 families have been adopted.

Each month, through a simple donation, families receive rice, blankets and lentils. The families also exchange photographs, send letters and build lifelong relationships.

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Bishop McGuinness names 2012 Alumnus of the Year