Who was Mary Dowd?
Mary Dowd was an Irish Catholic woman from a prominent New York family. Mary was inspired to visit Father Flanagan’s Home for Boys after seeing the 1938 Oscar® award-winning film, Boys Town. During her visit, she wrote a check for $200,000 (equivalent to nearly $5 million today) to build the chapel, named in honor of her family, that was dedicated in 1941.
A Simple Visit That Built a Legacy
Mary was inspired to visit Father Flanagan’s Home for Boys after seeing the 1938 Oscar® award-winning film, Boys Town. During her visit, she asked Father Flanagan what she could do to help, and he indicated that funding for a Catholic Chapel on campus was needed. Mary wrote a check for $200,000 (equivalent to nearly $5 million today) to build the chapel, named in honor of her family, that was dedicated in 1941.
As Mary once said, “I believe in doing something only for a really worthwhile organization, and that is exactly what Boys Town is.”
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We invite you to join our Mary Dowd Society, an exceptional group of Boys Town supporters who are on a mission to ensure the ongoing upkeep and beautification of our beloved house of worship. Please consider joining by giving an annual gift at one of these levels.
St. Joseph, foster father of Jesus, was known for his compassion and caring. Father Flanagan always believed that every child should have a positive father figure in their lives.
What you get: Added to monthly mailing list, name listed in Dowd bulletin (one time upon joining) & Membership Certificate
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Nellie, Father Flanagan’s beloved older sister, devoted her life to helping Father and their siblings. Often referred to as the "Angel of Boys Town," Nellie served as a loving, motherly figure to the children.
What you get: Same as above + custom stained-glass window print & Finding Happiness Irish Prayer book
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After spending his youth as a slave working as a shepherd, St. Patrick became a devote Christian and priest and is credited with converting Ireland to Christianity. Father Flanagan considered him a role model in enlightened care for children.
What you get: Same as above + name recognition on Hall of History donor screen
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St. John Bosco dedicated his life to caring for and educating poor and homeless youth, helping them to find lodging, develop their faith and avoid getting into trouble. Like Father Flanagan, he believed that all children must know they are loved.
What you get: Same as above + exclusive invites to in-person events and gatherings
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Father Flanagan had a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, to whom he had prayed to save him when he was quite ill. He selected her to be the patroness of Boys Town and prayed the consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary daily with Boys Town youth.
What you get: Same as above + replica of stained-glass window.
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