Our Lady of Victory Basilica

Lackawanna is home to Our Lady of Victory Basilica, a National Shrine. Father Nelson Baker is buried here. Father Baker, who fought in the Civil War at Gettysburg as part of the 74th Regiment of the New York State militia, was responsible for the building of working boy's home in Buffalo in 1898, an infants home in 1907, a maternity home in 1915, Our Lady of Victory Hospital in 1919 and the Basilica of Our Lady of Victory in 1926. Father Baker named the Basilica after the famous shrine to Our Lady of Victories in Paris, France, which he had visited as a seminarian in 1874. Father Baker was in charge of the Basicilica and the various institutions of charity until his death at the age of 94, on July 29, 1936. Father Baker's legacy continues to this day in many ways. His social programs have evolved into Baker Victory Services, which provide care to more than 2,500 children each and every day, his Hospital continues to offer services to the area, his Homes of Charity provide the critical funds necessary to continue his social programs through donations, and his wonderful Basilica enjoyed its 75th Anniversary in 2001.