Servant of God Father Edward Flanagan

Born: July 13, 1886
Death: May 15, 1948
Cause for Canonization Opened: February 25, 2012
Declared Servant of God: March 17, 2012

Servant of God Father Edward Flanagan was born in Ireland and immigrated to the United States in 1904 to pursue the priesthood for the Archdiocese of New York. Due to poor health, he paused his studies and moved to Omaha, Nebraska, where he later became a diocesan priest. In 1917, he opened Boys Home — later known as Boys Town — to provide shelter, education, and spiritual formation to boys in need. Fr. Flanagan became a tireless advocate for the humane treatment and education of children, both in the United States and abroad. He is remembered for saying: “Every boy should pray; how he prays is up to him.” His strong influence on saving children and helping families lives on in those who continue his work at Boys Town.

Read his story here.

Prayer Composed by Fr. Flanagan

God of mercy, love and compassion, we are grateful that you gave Father Edward Joseph Flanagan special graces to love, protect and guide neglected, vulnerable and oppressed youth.  Thank you that the work he began with the foundation of Boys Town has continued to spread throughout the world.  We pray that you inspire many to adopt his caring, loving ways as mentor and protector of youth. Loving Father, we bring our own needs to you; we pray that through the intercession of Father Flanagan, in accordance with your Holy Will,  You grant these special favors: Thank You for Your Faithfulness and Providence,  and for hearing our petitions which we ask in the Name of Your Son, Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Amen. The poor, innocent, unfortunate little children belong to us, and it is our problem to give them every chance to develop into good men and women.  Fr. Flanagan

Download a Brochure from the Fr. Flanagan League