Heart of a Servant: The Father Flanagan Story

The life of Father Flanagan is nothing short of incredible, and I cannot believe just how unknown his story is. If you're familiar with Boys Town then you likely know his story, but for those of us outside of Nebraska, it's shockingly easy to have never heard of the amazing man or his impactful works.

A true gentleman ahead of his time, Fr. Flanagan was cutting edge in his beliefs that no boys are bad; all boys deserve to be loved and cared for; and that it doesn't matter what your race or religion is--you should be cared for. He faced a lot of adversity for choosing to take care of these boys, but God provided all he needed and more to make Boys Town a reality. When you see the lasting positive effect he had on all boys associated with Boys Town; how Marvel and Hollywood took interest in him; and how even POTUS trusted him, you will be in awe.

This film is beautifully made, a joy to watch, and (at times) a tear jerker. I was so impressed by the depth and breadth of the coverage this movie had, how much I learned, and--of course--listening to Jonathan Roumie narrating was a very nice touch.

I had heard of Father Flanagan and knew a little bit about the work he did. After watching Heart of a Servant I came to know Fr. Flanagan even better and learned things I never knew about him. This movie did an incredible job of sharing the real story of Fr. Flanagan and shared beautiful details of his life that many didn't know before watching this movie. The filmmakers truly dug into his life and created a beautiful movie honoring this incredible man of God. I was left inspired after watching this film and I felt like I got to know him better through those who knew him. Fr. Flanagan, pray for us.

This documentary is an incredible and inspirational true story of an amazing man. Fr. Flanagan was a man of God who had done so much for others. As a high school teacher, I am in contact with kids all day long. They come with all sorts of challenges and struggles. Seeing Fr. Flanagan´s commitment to caring for the youth, I felt overwhelmed by his generosity, love and compassion for them. The documentary inspires me to become the best version of myself. We all need to focus more on people in need and fight for the weak ones. Fr. Flanagan is an example of calling people to be a saint. Well done!

It was extremely inspiring to see how Fr. Flanigan stepped out in faith and made such a change in the lives of so many youths!

There is a very moving scene where a man shares how "Boy's Town" affected his life and how he bonded with others there because of their mutual experience of prior suffering. What a great way to show how God brings good out of everything-even our deepest pains!

This film also explores the power of praying together as they were out of food and petitioned the Lord and witnessed His miracles. It's a great reminder of how we are called to participate in God's plan which brings Him glory!

Fr. Flanigan didn't believe in bad boys, he believed in boys who needed love and a good example. He shows us how we should all see each other through the eyes of God and welcome all!

I can't recommend this film enough!

I grew up knowing about Fr. Flanigan and Boys Town. I saw the movie Boys Town on TV when I was about 4. But this was no dry documentary telling us things we already knew. This piece was lovingly created by people who took the time to find out who he truly was. To go to the town where he was born. To interview people who knew him or had connections to him. The creators wove and blended his story with words and pictures that left me feeling that I knew him. This man and all he stood for. This is how I was raised to be a good American. I would like every American to see this. To remind us of who we were, who we are, and who we can be. I did not know what to expect seeing this film, but I did not expect this.