Official Movie Poster / IMDB
Fr. Edward J. Flanagan and his “Boys Town” have not graced the main screen in decades. Viewers may recall the classic 1938 Spencer Tracy film “Boys Town,” which tells the true story of an Irish priest who founded a town for orphaned boys deep in Nebraska. Apart from that, the story of Servant of God Edward Flanagan has remained largely untold — until now. Narrated by “The Chosen” star Jonathan Roumie, “The Heart of a Servant” hits theaters on October 8th.
From Fr. Flanagan’s humble beginnings in an Irish farmer family to his founding of the first racially integrated community in the U.S. to his presidentially sanctioned mission in the wake of WWII, Fr. Flanagan was a witness to fatherly love at its finest. His story is not only inspiring but also a refreshing and powerful witness to authentic masculinity and the healing power of Christian fatherhood.
When faced with violent racial discrimination, Fr. Flanagan led the stalwart battle for human dignity. His love for orphaned children extended beyond merely meeting their physical needs. Fr. Flanagan sought to build more than an institution and made “Boys Town” a true home for these ostracized children – calling them “citizens” of his groundbreaking town built on love and respect. His care and devotion to the children is perhaps most poignantly on display in the countless letters “home” that he received from his former students fighting abroad during World War II.
Catholic viewers in particular will be encouraged to see Fr. Flanagan’s life story as a positive testament to the Catholic Church on the frontlines of defending human dignity. From the thoughtful content presented in the film, there is no doubt that Fr. Flanagan was a true warrior for justice and mercy. Throughout the documentary, diverse and relevant interviews reveal the widespread influence that one man’s life can have when he follows the voice of God.
Fr. Flanagan’s life is an uplifting reminder that no one is too small or insignificant for the Lord’s purposes. The Christian charity and fatherly love shown he demonstrated are desperately needed in our world today. He is an inspiring example of the masculine genius at work for the kingdom of God.
“The Heart of a Servant: The Father Flanagan Story” tells the timeless story of one faithful man who responded to the social needs of his time without counting the personal cost.
