Edward J. Flanagan's life began as something of a miracle. Born prematurely in a stone cottage in 1886, he was not expected to live through the night. Refusing to give up, his grandfather Patrick held him all night, keeping him warm and praying over him.

Young Eddie grew up on a farm in Ireland, always knowing that he wanted to be a priest. Suffering ill health as a young man, it took him two tries at seminary before he was healthy enough to be ordained.

But rough beginnings did not deter his will to serve God. During his 61 years of life, Father Flanagan of Boys Town changed the lives of countless at-risk boys in America and eventually the lives of orphans around the world, offering children the second chance that society had denied them.

Stress and overwork often led to ill health for Father Flanagan, yet he always put the needs of children ahead of his own. During the 1920s and 1930s, Father Flanagan faced opposition, yet he resolutely stood by his promise that Boys Town would accept any boy in need.

After World War II, President Truman asked Father Flanagan to visit Japan and Germany to advise on what should be done to support the orphans of war. During his visit to Germany in 1948, Father Flanagan died while serving the children to whom he devoted his life's work. Because of his lifelong devotion to God and his tremendous impact, Father Flanagan is currently on the path to Sainthood.