In 1916 Sr. Celestine Nordhus, OSB was sent to start a school six miles from Omaha at St. Columbkille in Papillion. It was to be a boarding school, but it was behind in construction. For the first two months classes were held in the church where students would sit on the kneelers and use the pew seats for benches. In October the they were able to move into the new building, pictured above.
In November, a young priest brought Edward Clark, a little neglected, homeless boy to see the Sisters as the first boarder. Sr. Celestine was deeply impressed. She said, "It was my first meeting with Father Flanagan. After I opened the door and saw the kind, lovable young priest I guessed immediately what his purpose was. He said, 'If it is ever in my power, I will some day make a home for boys like this one.'"
Thirteen months later Boystown began and Ed Clark moved there. For years afterwards, our boarding school provided overflow for Boystown so that when they were full, some boys would come to our school.
On St. Patrick's Day this year Archbishop Lucas announced the intention of opening a cause for
possible beautification of Edward J. Flanagan and declared Flanagan a
Servant of God.
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