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Father Boes shares laughs with a young Irish girl during his visit to Father Flanagan’s birthplace.
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Father Boes’ First Visit to Ireland Honors Father Flanagan’s Commitment to World’s Children
Celebrations Commemorate 90th Anniversary
Father Boes’ first visit to Ireland celebrates Boys Town’s relationship with Father Flanagan’s homeland and his vision for helping children.
As part of the celebration, Father Boes and Boys Town alumni presented a new image of Father Flanagan to the Father Flanagan Memorial Centre in Ballymoe, Ireland, Tuesday. The image was commissioned by alumni and created by artist Paul Otero, a 1968 graduate of Boys Town High School.
“The legacy Father Flanagan left to the world’s children and families was built on the strong faith, work ethic, education and tenacity this village inspired in him,” said Father Boes. “It helped create the foundation for Father Flanagan’s dream of helping hurting children.”
The life-like graphite on paper portrait of Father Flanagan was unveiled during alumni activities in Boys Town, Neb., in July as a kickoff to the organization’s 90th anniversary. Otero called the portrait his greatest work because it is based on Father Flanagan’s determination, faith, strength, vision and tenderness for children. He developed it using numerous research materials, including interviews and discussions with many alumni. Click here to learn more about the Otero portrait.
Father Flanagan’s “boys,” Boys Town alumni from all across the United States, began a “twinning” relationship with Ballymoe in 2001. The first part of the long-term relationship began by commissioning life-size bronze statues of Father Flanagan and placing them in Ballymoe and the Village of Boys Town. A strong contingent of Irish men and women continue to work with alumni to forward efforts to have Father Flanagan canonized as a saint.
Tuesday’s presentation ceremony included reflections of Father Flanagan from actor Mickey Rooney, who starred as Whitey Marsh in the 1938 movie “Boys Town,” John Griffin, Ballymoe Boys Town Association Chairperson, and Bishop Christopher Jones.
The day’s events concluded with a special visit for Father Boes to Father Flanagan’s birthplace in Leabeg, just two miles from Ballymoe. Bishop Jones and Rooney joined Father Boes with prayers of thanksgiving for all Father Flanagan created to help severely at-risk children.
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