Father Edward J. Flanagan, founder of Boys Town, lived a life defined by faith, compassion, and courage. Born prematurely in 1886 in a stone cottage in Ireland, he wasn’t expected to survive the night. But with the warmth and prayers provided by his grandfather, he did—setting the stage for a life devoted to serving the forgotten.
From early on, young Eddie felt called to the priesthood. Despite chronic health problems that forced him to leave seminary once, he returned and was eventually ordained. In 1917, he established Boys Town in Nebraska, a safe haven for at-risk boys. His belief that “there’s no such thing as a bad boy” guided his work, even in the face of criticism. He welcomed children of every race, religion, and background, standing firm in his mission when few others would.
After World War II, President Truman enlisted his help to advise on care for war orphans overseas. While on that mission in Germany, Father Flanagan passed away in 1948—still serving the children he loved so deeply.
Today, Father Flanagan’s cause for sainthood is progressing through the Catholic Church’s rigorous canonization process. This journey involves several distinct stages:
- Pre-Diocesan
- Diocesan Phase
- Roman Phase
- Beatification
- Canonization
Father Flanagan was a true visionary whose belief in the potential of every child still shapes Boys Town today. If you’re inspired by his story and want to reflect more on the values he lived by, we invite you to follow along with our 5-day inspirational series, where we share moments from his life, his words, and the lasting impact of his mission. It's a meaningful way to connect with the legacy that continues to guide us more than a century later.
