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FATHER FLANAGAN PRAYER GROUPS IN IRELAND

Summary on the launch of the new Fr. Flanagan Booklet

The launch of the new Fr Flanagan booklet took place on last Thursday 6th July in Bus¼’elrs Hotel, Dublin. Mr Paddy Smith, Chairman of the Sligo Fr Flanagan Committee Initiated proceedings by welcoming all who were present for the launch. A special word of welcome was extended to both the Minister for Education Mary Hanafin T.D who was present to launch the new booklet, and The Papal Nuncio to Ireland, His Excellency Most Rev. Dr Giuseppe Lazarotto who was also present for this special occasion. Some of the others present included Dr Jimmy Devins T.D, and Mr John Lonergan the Govenor of Mount joy who were welcomed also.

Fr Alan Conway, C C, St Marys, Sligo was invited to address the gathering to reflect on the new Fr Flanagan booklet during which he shared the following few thoughts:

“Good afternoon everybody and I am delighted to be here today along with all of you at this launch for the new Fr Flanagan booklet The Sligo Fr.Flanagan Committee from its inception had considered different possibilities as to how they would promote a greater awareness of the life and times of Father Edward Joseph Flanagan and his advanced childcare philosophies. After much discussion it was decided that a publication based on his inspiring life would be the way to go. This work began last October 2005 and has found its fruition in this beautifully produced booklet on his life. This new booklet on the life of Fr. Edward Joseph Flanagan of Ballymoe, Co. Roscommon, Summerhill College, Sligo, and Boys Town Nebraska, U.S.A. has being produced to promote a public awareness of the life (1886 - 1948) of Father Flanagan and of his achievements, and in particular of his advanced and enlightened approach to the care, development and education of young people."

Furthermore, to recognise the progressive application of Fr. Flanagan’s ideals since his death in 1948, in the operation of the Boys Town model in the United States and elsewhere. This new publication also hopes to encourage us all, particularly parents, youth carers and educators, and all organisations with responsibility for young people, to re-evaluate their attitudes to, and methods of dealing with) these young people in the light of Fr Flanagan’s approaches and those of the Girls and Boys Town model today.
Finally this booklet also wishes to promote a movement for the canonisation of Fr. Flanagan to sainthood.

This new publication challenges all of us as members of irish society to be people who value the youth of our nation and to support them in every possible way. Todays world offers great opportunities for our young people more than ever before but they still need the love, care, and guidance of adults as they grow up and face the challenges of our time. May the visionary figure of Fr, Flanagan inspire all parents, guardians and adults involved with youth the ability to listen to young people and to help them to reach their maximum potential not only economically but also in terms of the whole person whether from a spiritual, educational, social or psychological point of view.

In the Sligo Fr Flanagan Committee we like to view Fr Flanagan as a protector of youth because once the wayward boys were given into his hands by the courts he was obviously responsible for their total welfare which he took very seriously indeed. He was a great promoter of the dignity and rights of all young people and of their protection, and this is reflected in his many addresses which he gave across the U.S and worldwide. Fr Flanagan always put young people first and so we hope that this publication will inspire many to adopt his caring and loving ways in their dealings with youth.

This publication gives us a brief overview of Fr Flanagan’s life and his philosophies on the care development and education of young people ie The Boys Town Model, Also included are many of Fr Flanagan’s sayings which are really little gems of wisdom which were based on his personal lived experience with youth. We might take time on some ocassion to pause and reflect on the depth of his sayings which speaks volumes as to the kind of person he was.

Another aspect of this booklet is the promotion of the idea that Fr Flanagan was not just a great social reformer for the good of society but that ultimately he drew his strength and energy from his relationship with God. As the result of this relationship he was drawn to serve god’s people and especially those who were in great need ie wayward youth. In conjunction with the Past Pupils Association of Girls and Boys Town USA, the Sligo Fr Flanagan committee supports the idea that in Fr Flanagan’s life there maybe signs of holiness at work which may in time open up the possibility of having his cause opened and submitted to the Holy See for its definitive view on this matter. We in the Sligo Fr Flanagan Committee hope someday that the opening of his cause will be proceeded with but in the meantime we will continue to entrust this intention to the Lord.

There is a brief explanation of current Girls and Boys Town programmes of assistance contained in this publication indicating that the good work of Girls and Boys Town has spread beyond the original home in Nebraska to many other states across the U.S.A.
I would just like too generally thank you all for making the effort in being here this afternoon to honour and celebrate the life of an extraordinary priest who gave so much of himself in helping young people in such a compassionate and understanding way, His life made a significant difference in the lives of countless youth and continues to this day through the contemporary programmes of his beloved Girls and Boys Town. May that good work continue under the guidance of the new Executive Director of Girls and Boys Town Fr Steven Boes and continue to prosper across the U.S and hopefully elsewhere also.

Finally i would like to thank Mr Dermot Layden along with the Sligo Fr Flanagan Committee for doing all the research and background work and in bringing this publication to its fruition. May this publication rekindle an interest in Fr Flanagan and in his significant contribution to the welfare of young people and in the present day through the ongoing work of Girls and Boys Town.
Speaking next at the launch Minister for Education Mary Hanafin TD said “it is appropriate to celebrate the initiative, achievement and success of Fr. Flanagan. His efforts have no doubt, contributed hugely to the enrichment of the lives of many young people. We can learn from his approach to developing the talents and responsibilities of young people and to encouraging positive behaviours and enlightened thinking

Highlighting Fr. Flanagan’s belief in the inherent goodness of youth, Minister Hanafin said “Fr. Flanagan never doubted that a loving and caring atmosphere would help young people to grow and mature into responsible citizens. It is this very philosophy that underpins the education system that we seek to deliver today, one that supports equality of opportunity for every child so that each child can reach his or her full potential regardless of status or ability and mindful of the unique contribution that each person can make to society.”

Outlining features of the Government’s National Children’s Strategy ‘Our Children - Their Lives’ Minister Hanalin said “the strategy sets out a vision for children that provides for new structures to significantly improve their lives and the services available to them. In particular it aims to deal with the needs of children who are marginalised or who have special needs. Homeless children are perhaps one of the most marginalised groups.

The absolute commitment of this Government to provide for youth who are ‘at risk’ or marginalised is evident from a number of significant developments and investments. An extra L,—,90 million has been provided for the development of child welfare services since 1999. Establishment of the National Education Welfare Board has greatly enhanced the opportunities of those most at risk from early school leaving and school absenteeism. The DEIS action plan, launched last year, to provide targeted investment for education disadvantage will ultimately result in an extra ,—i40million being provided each year to combat education disadvantage.

Almost $20 million has been provided for youth homelessness. A preventative approach underpins the Youth Homelessness Strategy, seeking to reduce it greatly, and if possible to eliminate it, through the provision of a range of services that will support the reintegration of a homeless young person into his or her community as quickly as possible

Minister Hanafin congratulated all associated with the publication of the booklet, describing it as a “fitting tribute to man of vision who has left a legacy that will benefit the lives of many across the globe.” Mr Paddy Smith, Chairman of the Sligo Fr Flanagan Committee brought proceedings to an end by thanking all who had come to the official launch of the new Fr Flanagan booklet and said that all involved in this project were greatly encouraged by the support given by all those present at the launch,

Anybody interested in receiving copies of the new Fr Flanagan booklet can contact Fr Alan Conway, CC.. St Marys, Sligo, 071-9162670. Also view www.fatherflanagan.org or www.frfianagan.com