Our Lady of Victory National Shrine & Basilica

My church and the most beautiful church (basilica) I have ever been in ... and I have traveled the world. This is the legacy of 'Father Baker' for if you say Our Lady of Victory or Father Baker's, everyone knows you are talking about one and the same church. Nelson Baker, born 1842 was baptized Lutheran but he enjoyed attending church with his devout Catholic mother and at age 10 he was baptized Catholic. When he was young he worked the family store, then he served in the army during the American Civil War and returning, open up a feed and grain store with a partner but the church kept calling to him and at age 27, he entered the seminary and excelled. Then, at 29, he became gravely ill and was sick for a full year before recovering and eventually took his vows at age, 34. His first assignment was to Father Hines at the Limestone Hill orphanage and protectory. They were deep in debt and falling further so he asked to leave. After one year, the bishop reassigned Father Baker back to Limestone Hill to be Father Hine's replacement. He jumped right in this time. The first to visit him were the many creditors. He worked a deal with all of them by emptying out every penny of his own savings and promising the rest to come. Then he began to write letters. Every night he would hand-write hundreds of letters and then send them to post masters all across the country asking them to deliver his letters to any charitable Catholic women and their organizations. In the letters he asked that they send $,25 yearly dues on behalf of the boys in his care. This was a great success. In a few years time, all the debts were paid and he had started saving for what was to become 'The City of Charity' Next came one of his miracles. One of his largest debts was heating bills for all the buildings and church. He prayed over this and a gas deposit was found which is still being used for heating and cooking for all the buildings, even today. Then in 1908, he began his new project, building a home for unwed mothers. Here, women could come and either stay and deliver their babies or bring their new born infants and leave them, no questions asked. At the entrance of the home, a crib and blanket was left 24 hours a day so that a woman could come and leave her child during the night. Next came a maternity hospital in 1919 which was eventually converted to a 275 bed General Hospital. And in 1921, he was able to finally start the project you see here. Our Lady of Victory Basilica. Father Baker was 79 years old. And by May of 1926, this church was dedicated and true to Father Baker, not a penny was owed. By October of the same year, it was designated as one of the two basilicas in the United States. The exterior of the church was constructed of pure white marble. The large dome was covered in copper which turned to a green patina. There are two Colonnades with statues of children atop each. The East Colonnade has a sister leading the children representing the Sisters of Saint Joseph who staff the school and homes of charity. The West Colonnade has Father Baker amid the children which came to a great surprise to him when it was revealed. The interior has 40 different kinds of marble. The altar has a 9 foot 1200 lb statue made of rare carrara marble of the Blessed Mother with her young son Jesus. The statue is surrounded by four swirled, rare, red marble columns atop of each which stands an Angel holding up the gold crucifix. The pews themselves are made from African mahogany. And the Stations of the Cross are each carved from one block of white marble. These life size statues took 14 years to sculpt. And it is believed that there are 1500 to 2500 angels in and around the church. Father Baker wanted you to be able to see an angel no matter where you looked because even though this church was dedicated to the Blessed Mother he wanted to remind everyone that this church was truly built for the...

Our Lady of Victory National Shrine & Basilica is an extraordinary place that holds a special meaning for me, not just because of its historical and spiritual significance, but also because of my father’s involvement in its preservation and renovation. Located in Lackawanna, New York, this basilica is one of the most beautiful and significant Catholic churches in the United States. It’s not just a place of worship; it’s a masterpiece of architecture and a testament to the power of faith and community.

The basilica has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. It was built under the direction of Father Nelson Baker, a priest who devoted his life to helping those in need. Father Baker was a man of incredible vision and compassion. He established what became known as the “City of Charity,” which included orphanages, homes for unwed mothers, and a hospital. His devotion to the Virgin Mary, under the title of Our Lady of Victory, inspired him to build this grand church in her honor. Construction began in 1921 and was completed in 1926, largely funded by donations from people around the world. The basilica was later elevated to the status of a national shrine by Pope Pius XI in the same year.

Architecturally, the basilica is a true marvel. Designed in the Baroque Revival style by Emile Ulrich, its exterior features a stunning dome that rises 165 feet high, crowned by a statue of Our Lady of Victory with her arms outstretched in blessing. The twin towers and intricate carvings add to its grandeur. But the interior is where the basilica truly shines. It’s adorned with intricate mosaics, marble statues, and stunning stained glass windows. The main altar, made of Italian marble, is surrounded by smaller chapels dedicated to various saints, and the artworks throughout the basilica contribute to its rich visual and spiritual experience.

This basilica is not just an architectural wonder; it’s a place of deep spiritual significance. It serves as a pilgrimage site, drawing visitors from across the country and around the world. It’s also the final resting place of Father Baker, who is entombed in a marble sarcophagus within the church. Father Baker’s cause for canonization is currently under consideration, and he has been declared “Venerable” by the Catholic Church—a significant step towards sainthood.

My connection to the basilica goes beyond its beauty and history. My father, Jake Schneider, has been instrumental in the renovations of this magnificent structure. As the architect in charge of the rehabilitation, he has dedicated countless hours to preserving the basilica’s splendor while ensuring that it remains a place of worship and community gathering for generations to come. Just the other day, my boys were lucky enough to get a personal tour of the basilica with my dad, where they saw firsthand the work he has done on the exhibits and the ongoing renovations. It’s something truly special to see their grandfather’s dedication and craftsmanship come to life in such an iconic space.

Visiting the basilica is more than just a visual experience; it’s a journey into the heart of our faith and the legacy of Father Baker. The surrounding grounds still reflect his mission of charity, with the OLV Homes of Charity continuing to help those in need. The basilica also hosts various religious and community events throughout the year, drawing large crowds and keeping the spirit of Father Baker alive.

Our Lady of Victory National Shrine & Basilica stands as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through faith, vision, and the relentless pursuit of helping others. For me, it’s a place that holds both personal and spiritual significance, and I’m incredibly proud of the role my family has played in its...

During our Easter vacation from Toronto, our family had the incredible blessing of visiting Our Lady of Victory National Shrine and Basilica in Lackawanna (just outside Buffalo). On Easter Sunday, we wanted to attend Mass and were fortunate to find this sacred and stunning church nearby.

No words can truly capture the beauty of this place. From the moment we stepped inside, we felt a deep sense of peace, awe, and reverence. The architecture is breathtaking—every corner filled with intricate artwork, marble, stained glass, and spiritual symbolism that lifts your heart instantly.

We attended the Easter Mass and felt so welcomed by the community and touched by the spiritual atmosphere. It was a deeply moving experience for all of us.

The basilica has a rich history—it was built in the early 20th century by Father Nelson Baker, who is still honored and remembered throughout the site. The basilica also includes a museum dedicated to Father Baker’s life and legacy, where visitors can learn about his mission to serve the poor, orphans, and the sick.

There are also quiet chapels, beautiful statues, and a gift shop with meaningful souvenirs and religious items. Every detail of this basilica reflects devotion, compassion, and grace.

If you're visiting Buffalo—no matter your faith—this is a must-see. We left feeling blessed, spiritually refreshed, and grateful for this unexpected gem...