On this 12th day of the virtual Advent pilgrimage, we arrive in Boys Town Nebraska, just outside of Omaha.
With Christ’s coming into the world, He made clear very early on His ministry His particular love and concern for the little ones among us. Through the ages, Christians have sought to defend and protect the youth and affirm their dignity. In America, one very visible manifestation of this was the example set by Fr. Edward Flanagan, an Omaha priest who established a school and entire town for at-risk youth. He is now on the path to canonization and so many souls were saved through his ministry.
Fr. Flanagan was an early twentieth century Omaha priest who took on a special ministry for at-risk youth in the 1920s that made him renowned across the world. This mission was originally inspired by work he did with Omaha’s homeless community during World War I, quickly realizing the one thing that most drifters had in common was that they came from broken families. He obtained the Bishop’s permission to work with youth in the criminal justice system and began organizing dedicated room and board for at-risk youth under his care. The demand for this support grew to the point where he was given title to the farmland which today is known as the Village of Boys Town.
Many Omaha residents donated funds and effort to building the village. During the Great Depression, he had 5 to 10 boys a day coming to knock on the doors of Boys Town, to live; a “City of Little Men” that would teach these troubled youth to become responsible citizens. Everyone had their own job to contribute to operation of community, including the laundry, the power plant and farming. He helped the boys living in the village to raise their own food on a working farm, attend school, and even had the boys elect their own mayor of the village. During his life time, over 6,000 youth were under his care and today the Boys Town program reaches into ten states and serves over 1 million at-risk youth.
Discover Catholic Nebraska
To learn more about Catholic Nebraska, read the Catholic travel guide to Nebraska here.
Concluding Psalm
To conclude, let us reflect on Psalm 31:
“How great is your goodness, Lord, stored up for those who fear you. You display it for those who trust you, in the sight of the children of Adam. You hide them in the shelter of your presence, safe from scheming enemies. You conceal them in your tent, away from the strife of tongues.” (Psalm 31: 20-21)
Previous days of the pilgrimage:
Day 1 – Rapid City, South Dakota
Day 2 – Montana
Day 3 – Sacramento
Day 4 – Los Angeles
Day 5 – Tucson
Day 6 – Santa Fe
Day 7 – Denver
Day 8 – San Antonio
Day 9 – Chicago
Day 10 – LaCrosse
Day 11 – Oklahoma City
CATHOLIC CONCIERGE 
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