Our Lady of Victory Basilica (Lackawanna, New York)

Last updated
Our Lady of Victory Basilica
Our Lady of Victory Basilica.jpg
The front exterior of Our Lady of Victory Basilica.
Religion
Affiliation Roman Catholic
District Diocese of Buffalo
Ecclesiastical or organizational status Minor Basilica, National Shrine
LeadershipBishop: Michael W. Fisher [1]
Pastor: Reverend Monsignor David G. LiPuma
Year consecrated 1926
Location
Location767 Ridge Road
Lackawanna, New York, United States
Geographic coordinates 42°49′33″N78°49′25″W / 42.82583°N 78.82361°W / 42.82583; -78.82361
Architecture
Architect(s) Emile Ulrich
TypeBasilica
Groundbreaking1921
Completed1926
Specifications
Direction of façadeNorth
Capacity1,200 sitting
Dome height (outer)165 feet (50 m)
Dome height (inner)120 feet (37 m)
Dome dia. (inner)80 feet (24 m)
Spire(s)2
Materials Marble
Website
www.ourladyofvictory.org
View of the side exterior of Our Lady of Victory Basilica. Basilica Side Exterior.jpg
View of the side exterior of Our Lady of Victory Basilica.

The Our Lady of Victory Basilica is a Catholic parish church and national shrine in Lackawanna, New York. Due to the multiple charities of founder Father Nelson Baker, the shrine is a popular pilgrimage and visitor destination in Lackawanna. It is part of the Diocese of Buffalo.

Contents

History

A sign describing the basilica's important status amongst Father Nelson Baker's several charitable institutions of Our Lady of Victory parish. Our Lady of Victory Institutions Sign.jpg
A sign describing the basilica's important status amongst Father Nelson Baker's several charitable institutions of Our Lady of Victory parish.

In 1916, fire seriously damaged St. Patrick's Parish Church in Lackawanna, New York. Repairs were made, but Father Baker, superintendent priest of the busy parish developed plans to replace the church. On May 7, 1921, Father Baker celebrated the last Mass at St. Patrick's.

The structure was immediately dismantled to make way for something larger. Construction on the basilica began in 1921 after Father Baker unveiled plans at a parish council meeting to build a shrine in homage to the Blessed Mother. Because of Baker's influence in the community and well-known charitable reputation across the nation, he was able to get sufficient financial support to begin construction quickly. Baker solicited support for his project, and thousands from across the nation contributed funding both large and small, mostly through a direct-mail fundraising club. Designed by Emile Ulrich, the basilica was constructed at a cost of $3.2 million, but the project was completed without the parish incurring any debt. [2]

By late 1925, construction on the sanctuary of Our Lady of Victory was complete, and the first Mass was held there on Christmas of that year. On May 25, 1926, a consecration ceremony took place presided over by Father Baker, Bishop William Turner of the Diocese of Buffalo, and Cardinal Patrick Hayes. Thousands of priests, religious sisters, and believers from across the nation attended the event. Two months later, Pope Pius XI designated the shrine with the honorable title of "Minor Basilica" via an apostolic decree. Baker was in charge of the basilica and the parish's various institutions of charity, until his death on July 29, 1936.

The basilica has had only two significant changes to its original design. The first came in 1941 during a violent lightning storm that caused significant damage to the basilica's twin towers.

Baker's first successor, Monsignor Joseph Maguire, took charge of the efforts to refurbish the structures. He had the marble towers replaced with the lower, enclosed, copper dome-tipped towers that still top the basilica today. Following the harsh winter of 2001–2002, the roof of the National Shrine was found to have significantly deteriorated. Its copper had turned a greenish hue due to overexposure to the elements (a similar chemical effect as seen on the Statue of Liberty) and was no longer weather tight. A new copper roof was installed.

In 2001, a celebration of the National Shrine's Diamond Jubilee and basilica's 75 years in the making was held at the Our Lady of Victory Parish. On May 26, a special Mass was followed by a dinner party, at which hundreds of dignitaries, clergy members, and friends came together to celebrate the basilica and Father Baker's legacy.

The basicila complex was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2024. [3]

Relics of Father Baker

The sarcophagus containing the remains of Father Nelson Baker. Father Baker Tomb.jpg
The sarcophagus containing the remains of Father Nelson Baker.

In July 1998, through the efforts of Bishop Henry J. Mansell, it was announced that the remains of Father Baker would be relocated from nearby Holy Cross Cemetery and reinterred in the basilica. The move was ordered by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in Rome, to signify a step toward declaring Baker a saint.

On March 11, 1999, Father Baker's casket was carried by six men who were raised by Baker, and placed in a sarcophagus within the Grotto Shrine to Our Lady of Lourdes, found on the southern end of the basilica's transept. It is estimated that nearly 6,000 people attended the event at the basilica that day to honor Baker and his work. The re-interment helped raise awareness of Baker, his mission, and his legacy across the world. On January 14, 2011, Pope Benedict XVI declared Fr. Baker "venerable". [4]

Architecture

Exterior

The design of the exterior of the basilica was the work of French ecclesiastical architect Emile Ulrich. [2] To fulfill Father Baker's wish for the finest materials and workmanship, Ulrich halted all other projects from his architectural firm in Cleveland and spent his time personally inspecting artists' work both in the United States and Europe. [5]

The majority of the exterior of the shrine is constructed almost entirely of pure white marble, supplied by the Georgia Marble Company of Tate, Georgia. Throughout the basilica's interior and parts of the exterior, a combination of more than 40 different types, colors, and designs of Italian marble can also be found.

Great dome

A closeup of the exterior of the Great Dome. Great Dome Exterior Detail 2.jpg
A closeup of the exterior of the Great Dome.

A prominent feature of the basilica's exterior is the large copper dome. The dome, measuring 165 feet in height, was second in size only to the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. at the time of its completion in 1926. Over the years, the dome's original copper has aged to a green patina, as expected. Four copper angel statues playing trumpets, measuring 18 feet tall, are mounted on the dome.

Twin towers

The original twin towers of the basilica, when completed in 1926, stood at a height of 165 feet (about 16 stories). The spires were made completely of marble and had an open design. In 1941, a violent lightning storm caused major damage to both the towers, forcing redesign and refurbishing. The new towers, enclosed and much shorter than the originals, are topped with copper domes, similar to the design of the basilica's Great Dome.

Main entrance

The colonnade that features the figure of Father Baker on the side exterior of the basilica. Exterior Colonnade.jpg
The colonnade that features the figure of Father Baker on the side exterior of the basilica.

Two large colonnades extend outward and flank the exterior sides of the shrine at the main entrance. On top of each is a marble sculpture of a group of children overseen by a large angel. On the left colonnade (when facing the basilica's front), the children are led by a religious sister. This figure represents the Sisters of St. Joseph, the order which has staffed the Our Lady of Victory Institutions since 1856. On the right colonnade, the children are led by a priest, Father Baker. This figure of Baker was ordered by Ulrich to honor the priest for his several contributions to the Our Lady of Victory Institutions. Also at the entrance to the basilica is a domed niche that houses a 12-foot-tall, 16,000-pound (eight tons) statue of Our Lady of Victory, crafted of the finest Carrara marble available.

Interior

The great dome and ceiling

Interior of Our Lady of Victory Basilica. Our Lady of Victory Basilica Panorama.jpg
Interior of Our Lady of Victory Basilica.

The largest work of art is the decoration of the Great Dome, 80 feet (24 m) in diameter, which depicts the Assumption of Mary and the Blessed Mother's Coronation. Around the dome's outer edge, the 12 apostles and three archangels are shown, while an angelic host carries Mary towards heaven. Slightly higher within the dome, Jesus in red robes can be seen awaiting her. At the pinnacle of the dome, 120 feet (37 m) above the basilica floor, a white Dove of Peace looks down from Heaven at the basilica. [6]

From the Great Dome to the choir loft, the ceiling is covered by five giant murals. They depict Mary as Queen of Patriarchs, Queen of the Apostles, Queen of the Angels, Queen of the Prophets, and Queen of the Martyrs. The two walls on the basilica's sides feature huge paintings depicting scenes from the Gospels: the Massacre of the Innocents, the Flight into Egypt, and the Birth of Jesus at Bethlehem.

The main altar

Detail of the statue of Our Lady of Victory on the main altar. Main Altar Detail.jpg
Detail of the statue of Our Lady of Victory on the main altar.

The main altar features a 9 feet (2.7 m) tall, 1,600 pounds (730 kg) statue of Our Lady of Victory. This was blessed by Pope Pius XI after being sculpted in Italy. Baker placed a painting of the pope on the altar in return.

Flanking the altar are four, swirled marble columns of rare red marble, reminiscent of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. A legend told about the marble says a group of Buffalo-born soldiers stumbled upon the unique red marble while in Spain during World War I. Upon seeing it, the soldiers thought immediately of the basilica being built at home by Father Baker. They went to talk to the Spanish farmer who owned the property. After hearing the story of Father Baker, the farmer agreed to donate the "useless rock" on his property. Arrangements were made and the marble was sent to Lackawanna to complete the work on the basilica's altar. [7]

The main altar stands under a bright blue dome depicting the Holy Spirit in brilliant hues. On the ceiling over the altar, an elongated panel represents "Queen of All Saints". Among the saints are Mary Magdalene, St. Anthony, St. Elizabeth, St. Anne, and St. Theresa. [6]

Items of Papal significance

Near the altar, at one end of the pews, stands the umbraculum, a symbolic canopy or umbrella which is kept half open until the Pope visits the basilica and completely opens it. The tintinnabulum , a small gold bell mounted on a pole with a golden frame, stands at the other end. It is used to lead the procession when the Pope says Mass within the basilica. These two items, along with the personal coat of arms of a pope, which hangs above the bronze main entrance doors, signify the shrine's Basilica status within the Catholic community.

Stations of the Cross

One of the 14 life-size marble Stations of the Cross. Stations of the Cross.JPG
One of the 14 life-size marble Stations of the Cross.

The shrine is flanked by the 14 marble Stations of the Cross, which depict Jesus' final hours before his death. Rather than the elements being carved from separate blocks of marble and assembled for each Station afterwards, each Station was sculpted from single blocks. The figures are depicted at life size. The Italian sculptor Pepini spent 14 years on the design and execution. [7]

The station entitled "Jesus Meets His Afflicted Mother" was one of Father Baker's favorite places in the basilica. In his 80s by the time the basilica was completed, Baker could be often found leaning on the pillar closest to this Station, meditating and saying prayers. [6]

The organ

When the original, custom-made Wurlitzer organ installed in the choir loft had deteriorated beyond repair, a specially-designed 54-rank pipe organ was installed in its place. Built by the Delaware Pipe Organ Co. and installed in 1981, the organ has three mahogany pipe towers, each in an eight-foot semicircle, representing the Holy Trinity. There are 51 pipes in the three towers, with the balance of pipes located behind the towers. The pipework is of metal and wood, and ranges in length from six inches to 18 feet.

The grotto and Father Baker's remains

The Grotto Shrine where the remains of Father Nelson Baker were placed in a sarcophagus. Baker Tomb Grotto.jpg
The Grotto Shrine where the remains of Father Nelson Baker were placed in a sarcophagus.

Baker's remains are in a sarcophagus within the Grotto Shrine to Our Lady of Lourdes, found on the southern end of the basilica's transept. The Grotto is hewn out of black lava rock from Mount Vesuvius in Italy. Baker, who had died in 1936, [8] had wanted to find a construction material that was "untouched by humans" to commemorate the vision of the Blessed Mother to St. Bernadette in Lourdes, France. [2]

Other places of interest

Other sculptures and artwork: The interior is decorated with several religious paintings, sculptures, and mosaics depicting devotion to the Blessed Mother. It is estimated that from 1,500 to 2,500 angels can be found in the basilica in the sculptures and artwork. It was Baker's plan to place an angel in every possible sightline, to remind visitors that although the basilica is dedicated to Our Lady of Victory, its main purpose is meant primarily for God's praise and glory. [6]

Some of the pictures and memorabilia found in the Father Baker rooms in the basement of the basilica. Father Baker Rooms.jpg
Some of the pictures and memorabilia found in the Father Baker rooms in the basement of the basilica.

Pews and aisle: The basilica's pews are made of rare African mahogany, and provide seating for more than 1,200 individuals. The shrine's floor and aisle are gradually sloped to ensure that all have an unobstructed view of the basilica's main altar.

Altars: In keeping with the style of architecture, five unique altars line the rear wall behind the main altar. These altars are dedicated to: St. Patrick, St. Aloysius Gonzaga, Mary Immaculate, St. Anne, and St. Vincent de Paul whose life work with the poor and needy inspired Father Baker.

Baptistery: Located adjacent to the main altar, the bapistery features a marble baptismal font, as well as dozens of wall and ceiling paintings with religious symbols and peoples.

Father Baker Museum: During late 2009, construction began to create a small museum about Father Baker's life and the history of the Our Lady of Victory Institutions. It is located in the basilica's basement, where the chapel and Father Baker Rooms were formerly located. A number of photos, official documents, vintage newspapers, and Baker's belongings are on display. Items such as Father Baker's desk, books, clothing, and furniture can be found throughout the museum. Also in the museum are cases of photos, information, and memorabilia from the Our Lady of Victory Institutions, such as the Infant Home, Orphanage, Protectory, and the basilica itself. On that floor of the basilica is the remodeled gift shop offering religious items such as rosaries, and related goods.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shrines to the Virgin Mary</span> Typically Catholic shrines

A shrine to the Virgin Mary, or Marian shrine, is a shrine marking an apparition or other miracle ascribed to the Blessed Virgin Mary, or a site on which is centered a historically strong Marian devotion. Such locales are often the destinations of Christian pilgrimages.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception</span> Catholic church in Washington, D.C., U.S.

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is a Catholic minor basilica and national shrine in Washington D.C.. It is the largest Catholic church building in North America and is also the tallest habitable building in Washington, D.C. Its construction of Byzantine and Romanesque Revival architecture began on 23 September 1920.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary</span> Historic church in Maryland, United States

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, also called the Baltimore Basilica, is a Catholic cathedral in Baltimore, Maryland. It was the first Catholic cathedral built in the United States after the nation's founding, and was among the first major religious buildings constructed therein after the adoption of the U.S. Constitution.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes</span> Marian shrine in Hautes-Pyrénées, France

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is a Catholic Marian shrine and pilgrimage site dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes in the town of Lourdes, Hautes-Pyrénées, France. The sanctuary includes several religious buildings and monuments around the grotto of Massabielle, the place where the events of the Lourdes apparitions occurred in 1858, among them are three basilicas, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, the Rosary Basilica and the Basilica of St. Pius X, respectively known as the upper, lower and underground basilica.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carfin Grotto</span> Christian shrine in Scotland

Carfin Lourdes Grotto, a Roman Catholic shrine in Scotland dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes, was created in the early twentieth century. The "Carfin Grotto", as the shrine is locally referred to, was the brainchild of Father, later Canon Thomas N. Taylor, parish priest of St. Francis Xavier's Parish in the small, mining village of Carfin, which lies two miles east of Motherwell, in the West of Scotland. Following a trip to France's principal Marian shrine at Lourdes, Canon Taylor's vision was to build a religious memorial in honour of Our Blessed Lady based on the template of the Grotto of Massabielle. To realize this vision became his life's work. Since its opening in the early 1920s, the "grotto" has attracted pilgrims in the hundreds of thousands and its environs have been modified and enhanced with rich Catholic symbols and buildings. The grotto shrine offers a pilgrimage season with Sunday processions, rosaries, outdoor Masses and dedicated Feast Day events which run annually from early May until late September.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cathedral of Saint Patrick (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania)</span> Historic church in Pennsylvania, United States

The Cathedral of Saint Patrick is a cathedral of the Catholic Church in downtown Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States. It is the mother church of the Diocese of Harrisburg and is the seat of its bishop. It is a contributing property in the Harrisburg Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Mobile, Alabama)</span> Church in Alabama, United States

The Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception is a cathedral serving Roman Catholics in the U.S. city of Mobile, Alabama. It is the seat of the Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Mobile. The cathedral is named for Mary, mother of Jesus, under her title, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing property to the Church Street East Historic District and Lower Dauphin Street Historic District and is listed on the Historic Roman Catholic Properties in Mobile Multiple Property Submission

<span class="mw-page-title-main">St Patrick's Basilica (Ottawa)</span> Church in Ottawa, Ontario

St Patrick's Basilica is a Roman Catholic Church in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Located at 281 Nepean Street in Downtown Ottawa, it is the oldest church in the city that serves the English-speaking community. The Basilica is one of the regular buildings featured in the Doors Open Ottawa architectural heritage day.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nelson Baker</span>

Nelson Henry Baker was a Catholic priest and church administrator in the Buffalo, New York, area. At the time of his death in 1936, he had developed a "city of charity" at Our Lady of Victory Basilica in Lackawanna, New York. It consisted of a minor basilica, an infant home, a home for unwed mothers, a boys' orphanage, a boys' protectory, a hospital, a nurses' house, and a grade and high school.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Basilica of St. Lawrence, Asheville</span> Minor basilica of the Roman Catholic Church in Asheville, North Carolina

The Minor Basilica of St. Lawrence the Deacon & Martyr is a minor basilica of the Roman Catholic Church in downtown Asheville, North Carolina, United States. The church was designed and built in 1905 by Spanish architect Rafael Guastavino along with his fellow architect R. S. Smith and the Roman Catholic community of Asheville. Pope John Paul II elevated the status of the church to minor basilica in 1993. It is a parish church, located within the Diocese of Charlotte. It is on the National Register of Historic Places and is the only basilica in western North Carolina. Its dome, inspired by the Basilica de los Desamparados of Valencia, has a span of 58 by 82 feet, and is reputed to be the largest, freestanding, elliptical dome in North America. The architectural style is Spanish Renaissance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">St. Adalbert's in Chicago</span> Church in Chicago, USA

St. Adalbert Church is a historic church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago. The church is located on 17th Street between Paulina Street and Ashland Avenue in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. St. Adalbert has served generations of Polish immigrants and their American-born children; at its peak, parish membership numbered 4,000 families with more than 2,000 children enrolled in the school. Today, the church is an anchor for the Mexican immigrants that have made the Pilsen area their home.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation</span>

The Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation is a Roman Catholic basilica located in Carey, Ohio in the United States of America and is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of Our Lady of Consolation. The Marian shrine is administered by the Order of Saint Francis and is designated as National shrine by the Holy Office.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health</span> Church in Tamil Nadu, India

The Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, also known as Sanctuary of Our Lady of Velankanni, is a Christian shrine located at the town of Velankanni, Tamil Nadu, India. The shrine is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rosary Basilica</span>

The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary is a Roman Catholic church and minor basilica within the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in France. Its main theme is a celebration and depiction of the Rosary.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church</span> Historic church in Michigan, United States

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church is a Catholic church of the Archdiocese of Detroit located at 13770 Gratiot Avenue in Detroit, Michigan. It is commonly known as the Assumption Grotto Church. The church community was founded in the 1830s, and the present building completed in 1929, designated a Michigan State Historic Site in 1990 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Balanga Cathedral</span> Roman Catholic cathedral in Bataan, Philippines

The Cathedral-Shrine Parish of Saint Joseph, commonly known as Balanga Cathedral, in Balanga, Bataan, is the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Balanga which comprises entire of the civil province of Bataan, Philippines. Currently, Noel Niguid and Alwin Bobis serve as the cathedral priests. On March 19, 2015, the cathedral was formally declared a diocesan shrine, changing its status from cathedral-parish to cathedral-shrine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Queen of the Holy Rosary Memorial Shrine</span>

The Queen of the Holy Rosary Memorial Shrine is a Catholic church in the Diocese of Peoria It is located at 529 Fourth Street in La Salle, Illinois and is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary in memory of all living and deceased military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. It was deemed worthy to be elevated to a Diocesan Shrine on November 7, 2007, by Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, and dissolved as a parish. He has granted a partial indulgence to those making a pious pilgrimage to the Shrine. The Shrine complex consists of the church, the rectory and a school building.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Basilica of The National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima (Lewiston, New York)</span> Shrine or Our Lady of Fatima in Lewiston New York

The Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima is a Modernist minor basilica and US national shrine of the Roman Catholic Church, honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary as Our Lady of Fatima, the patroness of the United States. The shrine is directed by the Barnabite Fathers. It is located at 1023 Swann Road in Lewiston, New York, USA, north of Niagara Falls.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marikina Church</span> Roman Catholic church in Marikina, Philippines

The Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of the Abandoned, commonly known as the Church of Marikina, is a Roman Catholic church in Marikina, the Philippines. The church enshrines one of several images of the Madonna and Child venerated as miraculous, which has received a Pontifical decree of coronation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Church of Our Lady of Lourdes (Caxias do Sul)</span> Catholic temple in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

The Church of Our Lady of Lourdes is a Catholic temple located in the Brazilian city of Caxias do Sul, in Rio Grande do Sul. The Parish of Our Lady of Lourdes was created on February 8, 1942, by decree of Bishop José Barea. It was the first parish to be separated from the Parish of Saint Theresa, which was the only one in the urban area of Caxias do Sul until 1942. Father Maximiliano Franzoi was appointed its first parish priest in the same ceremony. Upon its creation, the Parish of Our Lady of Lourdes extended over a large area that was still only partially urbanized.

References

  1. ↑ Buffalodiocese.org
  2. 1 2 3 "The Story of Our Lady of Victory Basilica", Our Lady of Victory National Shrine and Basilica Archived 2014-09-02 at the Wayback Machine
  3. ↑ "WEEKLY LIST OF ACTIONS TAKEN ON PROPERTIES: 2/26/2024 THROUGH 3/1/2024". National Park Service. Retrieved 2024-03-05.
  4. ↑ Gribble, Richard (2013). "Father Nelson Baker and the Blessed Virgin Mary: A Lifetime of Devotion". American Catholic Studies. 124 (4): 1–25. ISSN   2161-8542. JSTOR   44195766.
  5. ↑ "On-Line Tour of the Our Lady of Victory Basilica & National Shrine - Exterior". Our Lady of Victory Institutions website. Our Lady of Victory Institutions, Lackawanna. 2007. Retrieved 2008-11-23.
  6. 1 2 3 4 "On-Line Tour of the Our Lady of Victory Basilica & National Shrine - Interior". Our Lady of Victory Institutions website. Our Lady of Victory Institutions, Lackawanna. 2007. Retrieved 2008-11-23.
  7. 1 2 "The City of Lackawanna Web Site: Our Lady of Victory Basilica & National Shrine". City of Lackawanna website. City of Lackawanna. 2006–2007.
  8. ↑ "The Father Baker Story: Twilight". Our Lady of Victory Institutions website. Our Lady of Victory Institutions, Lackawanna. 2002. Retrieved 2008-10-29.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.