Omaha Archdiocese Celebrates Father Flanagan's Path to Sainthood with Mass of Thanksgiving

The Archdiocese of Omaha, Boys Town and the Father Flanagan League recently hosted a special Mass of Thanksgiving at Dowd Memorial Chapel honoring Venerable Father Edward J. Flanagan and celebrating a significant milestone in his cause for canonization.

Archbishop Michael G. McGovern presided over the Mass, which brought together members of the Boys Town community, the Father Flanagan League and Father Flanagan's family to celebrate his life, faith and lasting legacy of service to children and families.

The Mass recognized Pope Leo XIV's declaration of Father Flanagan's heroic virtue, granting him the title of "Venerable" and marking an important step forward on his journey toward sainthood.

Father Flanagan, the Irish-born priest who founded Boys Town, is remembered for his revolutionary approach to caring for homeless and impoverished children. His belief that there was "no such thing as a bad boy, only bad environment, bad modeling, and bad teaching" continues to shape the mission he began more than a century ago.

The historic occasion reached audiences far beyond the Boys Town campus. EWTN livestreamed the Mass, while WOWT, OSV News, the Catholic Voice and Spirit Catholic Radio also covered the celebration and Father Flanagan's continuing path toward sainthood.

Watch the full story to learn more about this historic milestone and Father Flanagan's journey toward sainthood.