Of course, I’d heard of Boys Town. I saw the movie when I was a kid, but until I watched this new documentary directed by Daniel Gebert and Rob Kaczmark and narrated by The Chosen’s Jonathan Roumie, I had no idea Father Flanagan had such a lasting impact on, not only American society, but also around the world.
The film is in theaters one night only, October 8, 2024, so make sure you check it out while you can. This story, told through amazing archival footage and interviews with experts, past residents, and even Father Flanagan’s great nephew, brings hope that good people, servants of the Most High God, still live in this world of ours, still working tirelessly for the good of others. Click here for information about the film. Tickets can be obtained through Fathom Events, here.
Edward J. Flanagan had humble roots in Ireland, growing up in a small town, a town which is still very proud of their native son. The eighth of eleven children, he exhibited a weak constitution, and the only farm task his frail body could handle was looking after the sheep. At home he learned the values of faith, family, hard work, and strong community.
After immigrating to America in 1904 at age eighteen, he entered the seminary but his studies were interrupted, not once, but twice due to ill health. When he was finally ordained, he was assigned a parish in Omaha, Nebraska. Being the eve of the Great Depression, he opened a shelter for homeless men, but later had the inspiration to switch to boys so that he could form them to be men who contributed to society, to be good and strong of character.
Because Father Flanagan was innovative for inclusivity, accepting any boy, no matter their race or religion, at a time when the Ku Klux Klan was still very active, he dealt with much opposition. Horrified, even at breaking unjust laws (Jim Crow was still in effect), in 1921, he moved to the middle of a corn field just outside Omaha city limits and, literally, started his own town, the famed Boys Town. It even became its own municipality in 1934, when the first post office was established in Boys Town, Nebraska.
Father Flanagan’s vision was that of the Gospel. His philosophy was that there was no such thing as a bad boy. They just need love and guidance and that is just what he gave them, along with family, education, and civic responsibility. He insisted that Boys Town was not an institution but a home. Indeed, many a person called it home and considered Father Flanagan as their father and other members of his family as their own family.
Ever of ill health, Father Flanagan found strength for his mission in prayer. One time, the kitchen was down to one eggplant. So, he rounded up all the boys and they went to the chapel to pray. That night, a local grocer dropped off a truckload of food, proof that prayer answers all needs.
Father Flanagan took advantage of the communications media and sent his message of love and compassion out via the radio. He attracted the attention of newspaper magnate, William Randolph Hearst, whose stories catapulted Boys Town into the national spotlight, even attracting Hollywood producers. When the 1938 film starring Spencer Tracey and Mickey Rooney became a smash hit, Father Flanagan was able to use his influence with the high and mighty, being instrumental in social changes initiated by President Harry Truman.
Heart of a Servant: The Father Flanagan Story, highlights much more about this true servant of God and how much he influenced social advancement around the world, especially Japan after World War II. He was abroad in Berlin, in 1948 when he died. One commentator mentions, “He made dramatic social change happen but at a huge cost to himself.”
We could all take to heart what Father Flanagan always said, “We are all children of God and it is our responsibility to care for one another.”
