The Father Flanagan League
The Father Flanagan League exists to promote the cause for Father Edward J. Flanagan's sainthood. Click here to learn more about their efforts and join their mission to recognize Father Flanagan's saintly life.
About the Film
Heart of a Servant is a documentary that tells the complete life story of Father Edward J. Flanagan, from his birth in Ireland to his death after a lifetime of service. While many people know Father Flanagan as the founder of Boys Town, this film goes beyond the famous organization to focus on the man behind the mission. The documentary explores Father Flanagan as a priest deeply devoted to God, a leader with a powerful vision for helping children, and a man whose life reflected heroic virtue. Through his faith, compassion, and determination, Father Flanagan’s work at Boys Town became the lasting outcome of his goals, but Heart of a Servant invites viewers to truly understand the man, the priest, and the saintly example he left behind.
Cause for Sainthood
The Catholic Church recognizes holiness by carefully studying the lives of men and women who lived the Gospel in an extraordinary way. Father Edward J. Flanagan is currently being considered in the Church’s cause for sainthood because of his deep faith, heroic virtue, and lifelong dedication to serving the most vulnerable—especially children in need. His work was not simply social reform; it was a lived expression of Catholic teaching rooted in prayer, trust in God, and love of neighbor.
The League is promoting the documentary Heart of a Servant: The Father Flanagan Story to help share Father Flanagan’s inspiring witness with a wider audience. The film highlights his life as a priest who courageously followed God’s call, remained faithful through challenges, and saw Christ in every child he served. By telling his story, the League hopes to educate, inspire, and encourage viewers—especially students and educators—to recognize how ordinary faithfulness, lived with great love, can become a powerful example of holiness and service in the world today.
Teaching Resources
Teaching Father Flanagan's Legacy
To help students better understand the content presented in the film, we have developed supporting materials that break down key ideas in a clear and age-appropriate way.
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With our slides, study guides, and assessment activities, you will engage your students in the heroic life of Father Flanagan and the lasting impact he has made on society.