OMAHA, Neb. (CNS) — The Vatican has taken a key step forward in the sainthood cause of Father Edward J. Flanagan, the founder of Boys Town, local officials said May 15.
The Congregation for Saints’ Causes found that the Archdiocese of Omaha’s three-year investigation into Fr. Flanagan’s life was thorough and without error, and includes evidence of a reputation for sanctity, said Steven Wolf, president of the Father Flanagan League Society of Devotion.
“This cause is moving forward toward the next step, which we pray will move Servant of God Flanagan’s status to that of ‘venerable,’” Wolf said at a news conference attended by, among others, Omaha Archbishop George J. Lucas; Father Steven Boes, executive director of Boys Town; members of the tribunal and commissions the archbishop appointed to investigate the cause; and backers of the effort.
The Vatican’s investigation will continue, Wolf said, and focus on signs of heroic virtue, which could lead to the title “venerable.” Generally, a miracle attributed to the intercession of Fr. Flanagan would be required for beatification, and a second miracle for sainthood.
Wolf also thanked Archbishop Lucas and members of the tribunal, historical and theological commissions for their support and hard work, and presented them with gifts honoring Fr. Flanagan and the cause for sainthood.
Fr. Boes, who also is pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish on the Boys Town campus, said “any recognition of our founder is welcome to us because it reminds people of the life and works of this great man.”
Fr. Flanagan’s contention that “there are no bad boys” is grounded in Catholic theology and continues to be at the core of the work at Boys Town, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
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