Efforts continue to have Fr Flanagan declared a saint
'BOYS TOWN' FOUNDER WAS PAST PUPIL
THE campaign is continuing to have former Summerhill College pupil and the founder of Boys Town Nebraska Fr. Edward J. Flanagan cannonised a saint.
A Roman Postulator Dr. Andrea Ambrosi has been asked to help the Fr. Flanagan league continue to move the process forward.
Fr. Flanagan of Ballymoe, County Roscommon, entered Summerhill in 1900 and four years later he sailed for the United States.
He was prompted to open premises for homeless and abandoned boys after seeing them on the streets of Omaha after his appointment as Assistant Pastor to Saint Patrick's Church, Omaha.
In 1921 he bought 'Overlook Farm' and began turning it into the ' Boys Home' so well known today.
When the motion picture 'Boys Town' starring Spencer Tracy and Mickey Rooney appeared in September 1938, the home became internationally famous. A recent gathering of the Fr. Flanagan prayer groups of Sligo, Boyle and Ballymoe took place in the Galilee community outside Boyle.
Rev. Dr. Tomas Surlis, President of St. Nathy's College, facilitated the afternoon and there was a special welcome given to Mr. Steve Wolfe, President, Fr. Flanagan League, USA. Rev. Alan Conway, Vice President, Fr. Flanagan League, USA, said it was hoped that the Fr. Flanagan League Board would have an official meeting in Sligo at some stage.
- MICHAEL MORAN
