Father Baker’s legacy: A ‘City of Charity’ and century-old shrine to Our Lady of Victory

Venerable Nelson Baker, a priest from Buffalo, New York, established the Our Lady of Victory National Shrine and Basilica in Lackawanna, which recently celebrated its 100th year. Known as the Father of the Fatherless and the Padre of the Poor, Baker dedicated his life to serving vulnerable young people through various organizations that grew from his City of Charity.

Msgr. David LiPuma, the pastor and rector of the shrine, noted that Baker's devotion to Our Lady of Victory began during a pilgrimage to France and Italy following his recovery from a skin disease. While visiting the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires church, Baker was moved by the side altar and the intercessory prayers offered there.

Baker, a Civil War veteran, died in 1936 and is currently two steps away from sainthood. The shrine's recently improved dome now allows worshipers to better see the faces of the saints and Our Lady of Victory.