Just an Ordinary table? Or a Relic?

For year in the parish office we've used a table for meeting and activities like counting money each week. It's even been used for a few meals.

As we are unable to fit everything from the old office into the new one, this is among the items to be left behind. Our St. Vincent de Paul Society has taken up the task of selling these items. Some are being sold online while others will be part of a yard sale. To make certain they get the best possible price, they've been researching a number of items.

They discovered that this table as well as a buffet each have a metal inventory tag from Boystown.

Boystown was contacted. They need to do a bit more research, but they believe these items were used by Fr. Flannigan in his second rectory.

If so, this table was used by Fr. Flanagan when he hosted guests like Babe Ruth or Presidents.

Fr. Flanagan's cause for sainthood is being sealed and sent to Rome today. If he is canonized, his furniture would be considered a second class relic. Relics can not be bought or sold.

After a visit, Boystown asked if we would be willing to donate these items and Fr. Damian agreed. Boystown will be making a donation to our St. Vincent de Paul Society in gratitude for their research and appreciation for contacting them.

 So the table and buffet are now at Boystown.

Fr. Flanagan Asked for Our Help

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.