History Our Lady of Victory Basilica (Lackawanna, New York)



a sign describing basilica s important status amongst father nelson baker s several charitable institutions of our lady of victory parish.


in 1916, fire damaged st. patrick’s parish church in lackawanna, new york. repairs made, father baker, superintendent priest of busy parish developed plans replace church. on may 7, 1921, father baker celebrated last mass @ st. patrick’s.


the structure dismantled make way larger. construction on basilica began in 1921 after father baker unveiled plans @ parish council meeting build shrine in homage blessed mother. because of baker s influence in community , well-known charitable reputation across nation, able sufficient financial support begin construction quickly. baker solicited support project, , thousands across nation contributed funding both large , small, through direct-mail fundraising club. designed emile ulrich, basilica constructed @ cost of $3.2 million, project completed without parish incurring debt.


by late 1925, construction on sanctuary of our lady of victory complete, , first mass held there on christmas of year. on may 25, 1926, consecration ceremony took place presided on father baker, bishop william turner of diocese of buffalo, , cardinal patrick hayes. thousands of priests, nuns, , believers across nation attended event. 2 months later, pope pius xi designated shrine honorable title of minor basilica via apostolic decree. baker in charge of basilica , parish s various institutions of charity until death on july 29, 1936.


the basilica has had 2 significant changes original design. first came in 1941 during violent lightning storm caused significant damage basilica s twin towers (a style associated portuguese churches).


baker s first successor, monsignor joseph maguire, took charge of efforts refurbish structures. had marble towers replaced lower, enclosed, copper dome-tipped towers still top basilica today. following harsh winter of 2001-2002, roof of national shrine found have deteriorated. copper had turned greenish hue due overexposure elements (a similar chemical effect seen on statue of liberty) , no longer weather tight. new copper roof installed.


in 2001, celebration of national shrine s diamond jubilee , basilica s 75 years in making held @ our lady of victory parish. on may 26, special mass followed dinner party, @ hundreds of dignitaries, clergy members, , friends came celebrate basilica , father baker s legacy.








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