Father Flanagan and the Road to Sainthood

Father Flanagan and the Road to Sainthood

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 was not expected to survive the night. With the warmth and prayers of his grandfather, he did, and this set 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 eventually was ordained. In 1917, he established Boys Town in Nebraska, creating a safe haven for at‑risk boys. His unwavering belief that “there’s no such thing as a bad boy” guided his mission, even when critics challenged his approach. He welcomed children of every race, religion, and background, standing firm in his convictions at a time when few others would.

After World War II, President Harry Truman asked Father Flanagan to advise on the care of war orphans overseas. While carrying out that mission in Germany, Father Flanagan passed away in 1948, still serving the children he loved so deeply.

A Major Step Forward: Father Flanagan Declared Venerable

On March 23, 2026, Pope Leo XIV declared Father Edward Flanagan Venerable, officially recognizing his heroic virtue and advancing his cause for sainthood. The decree was signed during an audience with Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for the Causes of Saints.

This important milestone grants Father Flanagan the title “Venerable.” For his cause to move forward, the Church now seeks confirmation of two miracles attributed to his intercession, one required for beatification and another required for canonization.

This recognition affirms what generations of Boys Town youth, staff, and supporters have long known: Father Flanagan lived a life of extraordinary holiness, courage, and love.

Understanding the Path to Sainthood

The Catholic Church's canonization process is a rigorous, multi‑stage journey. Today, Father Flanagan has successfully reached the following stages:

• Pre‑Diocesan Phase
• Diocesan Phase
• Roman Phase
• Venerable (declared March 23, 2026)

Next Steps:

• Beatification which requires one approved miracle
• Canonization which requires a second approved miracle

His Legacy Continues

Father Flanagan was a true visionary whose belief in the potential of every child still shapes Boys Town today. His newly recognized heroic virtue offers renewed inspiration and hope to all who look to his life as a model of compassion, justice, and steady faith.

If you are 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. In this series, we share moments from his life, his words, and the lasting impact of his mission. It is a meaningful way to connect with a legacy that continues to guide us more than a century later.