Father Flanagan: Venerable on Path to Sainthood

0:00This has been Europe news today, Power by AI. I'm Cory with the story. A priest from County Galway has taken a big step towards St. Hood. Pope Leo XIV approved advances for six people today, including Father Edward Flanagan, who was born in Ballimo in 1886. The Pope recognized his heroic virtues, earning him the title of Venerable. Father Flanagan left Ireland for the United States in 1904 with his sister. There, he started Boys Town in Nebraska in 1917, an orphanage in school for boys living on the streets. His story hit the big screen in a 1938 film, where Spencer Tracy played him and won an Oscar for Best Actor. Bishop Kevin Durand of Aconry and Elfin called the news wonderful. He praised how Father Flanagan built Boys Town during tough times, giving kids education and a real home. The priest did against racism from groups like the Ku Klux Klan, and welcomed all races and fates, even helping Japanese families during World War.

1:01Two, by letting them stay at Boys Town. The St. Hood process began in the Omaha diocese in 2012, declaring him a servant of God back then. Now as Venerable, the next hurdle is Beatification, which needs proof of a miracle like an unexplained healing verified by doctors. A memorial center with a garden has grown in Ballimo to honor his legacy, and officials are asking anyone who knows of a possible miracle to come. Forward as his path continues.