The Story of Father Nelson Baker, Buffalo’s Saint in the Making (Joanne Wright) - 6/4/25

6/4/25 - We'll be recounting the inspiring life of Venerable Father Nelson Baker (1842–1936), a former businessman-turned-priest who became known as the "Padre of the Poor" in Buffalo, New York. Ordained in 1876, Father Baker transformed the struggling parish of St. Joseph's into a thriving "City of Charity" that included an orphanage, a home for unwed mothers, a hospital, a school for boys, and eventually the magnificent Our Lady of Victory National Shrine and Basilica, completed in 1925. A pioneer in Catholic charity and devotion to Our Lady of Victory, Father Baker served thousands in need during his lifetime, relying entirely on donations through what he called "The Association of Our Lady of Victory." His legacy lives on today, and his cause for sainthood continues, with Pope Benedict XVI declaring him Venerable in 2011. To learn more about Father Baker, please consider visiting the stunning Our Lady of Victory National Shrine and Basilica in Lackawanna, New York. More information at https://www.olvbasilica.org/