Discover the Legacy of Father Flanagan
New Documentary "Heart of a Servant" Hits Theaters Nationwide
About the Documentary
Father Edward J. Flanagan’s name became familiar to many Americans during the 1930’s, thanks in part to the 1938 Oscar-winning film, Boys Town, starring Spencer Tracy, that chronicled his groundbreaking work in child welfare. But Father Flanagan’s story extends far beyond that Hollywood depiction. His name and legacy continue to resonate the world over, as his influence in child welfare and his dedication to improving the lives of children are still celebrated today.
The new documentary delves deeper into Father Flanagan’s life, showcasing his impact on children, families, and communities. From garnering influence and admiration from presidents, CEOs and celebrities, to tirelessly working for the welfare of the children he loved, Father Flanagan’s story is one of compassion, courage and relentless dedication.
His efforts were not confined to Boys Town alone; during WWII, many Boys Town alumni named Father Flanagan as their next of kin, underscoring his role as a father figure. The American War Dads Association even honored him as America’s No. 1 War Dad.
This documentary celebrates Father Flanagan, not only as a historical figure, but as a hero whose approach to child welfare remains influential today. His unwavering commitment to justice and truth, no matter the personal risk, stands as a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration.
Heart of a Servant: The Father Flanagan Story is narrated by Jonathan Roumie, best known for his role as Jesus in the TV Series, The Chosen.
Documentary World Premiere at Boys Town
"Heart of a Servant," the Father Flanagan documentary, had it's world premiere at the Village of Boys Town.
The Father Flanagan League joined Spirit Juice Studios in production. Jonathan Roumie, perhaps best known for portraying Jesus in the TV series "The Chosen," is the movie's narrator and executive producer.
"Certainly what he stood for, the children that he would bring in and welcome were on the outskirts. They were considered irredeemable. That's not his belief. He just said there's no bad boy, right?" said Gloria Purvis.
Join us in celebrating the incredible life of a man who made it his life’s mission to ensure that every child has a chance at a better future. This is a unique opportunity to honor Father Flanagan’s legacy and support the ongoing mission of Boys Town.
The Writings of Father Flanagan
The work will continue, you see, whether I am there or not, because it is God's work, not mine.
Often it has been said that youth is the nation's greatest asset. But it is more than that. it is the world's greatest asset. More than that, it is perhaps the world's only hope.
There are no bad boys. There is only bad environment, bad training, bad example, bad thinking.
When parents fail to do their job, when they allow their children to run the streets and keep bad company, when they fail to provide them with good examples in the home, then the parents, and not the children, are delinquent.
The poor, innocent, unfortunate little children belong to us, and it is our problem to give them every chance to develop into good men and good women.
Without God at the beginning, there can be only confusion at the end.
A true religious training for children is most essential if we are to expect to develop them into good men and good women - worthy citizens of our great country.
No race that does not take care of its young can hope to survive, or deserves to survive.
Our country needs good men and good women who have learned to love God above all things, and their fellow man for the love of God.
There is nothing the matter with our growing boys that love, proper training and guidance will not remedy.
I do not believe that a child can be reformed by lock and key and bars, or that fear can ever develop a child's character.
It costs so little to teach a child to love, and so much to teach him to hate.
I have yet to find a single boy who wants to be bad.
A boy given the proper guidance and direction - kept busy and constructively occupied during their leisure or free time - will prove my statement that there is no such thing as a bad boy.
I feel that school buildings throughout the nation which stand idle after school hours are a waste of available space and the taxpayer's money when constructive programs could be offered through their intelligent utilization.
Rehabilitation needs greater emphasis, punishment less.
I know when the idea of a boys' home grew in my mind, I never thought of anything remarkable about taking in all of the races and all of the creeds. To me, they are all God's children. They are my brothers. They are children of God. I must protect them to the best of my ability.
