Our Lady of Victory Basilica (Lackawanna, New York)
| Our Lady of Victory Basilica | |
|---|---|
The front exterior of Our Lady of Victory Basilica.
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| Basic information | |
| Location | 767 Ridge Road Lackawanna, New York, United States |
| Geographic coordinates | 42°49′33″N 78°49′25″W / 42.82583°N 78.82361°WCoordinates: 42°49′33″N 78°49′25″W / 42.82583°N 78.82361°W |
| Affiliation | Roman Catholic |
| District | Diocese of Buffalo |
| Country | United States of America |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Minor Basilica, National Shrine |
| Leadership |
Bishop: Richard Joseph Malone Rector: Reverend Monsignor Paul J.E. Burkard |
| Website | www.ourladyofvictory.org |
| Architectural description | |
| Architect(s) | Emile Ulrich |
| Architectural type | Basilica |
| Groundbreaking | 1921 |
| Completed | 1926 |
| Specifications | |
| Direction of façade | North |
| Capacity | 1,200 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 |
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.
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.
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, nuns, and believers from across the nation attended the event. Two months later, Pope Pius XI designated the shrine 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.
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