Our Lady of Victory Basilica, facilities added to state and federal historic registries

Our Lady of Victory National Shrine and Basilica has gained a distinction that will not only elevate its status as a spiritual and tourist destination, but one that may also provide much needed financial support to help maintain facilities while continuing an ongoing legacy of service to those in need.

“As part of our centennial celebration, OLV (Charities) began the process of pursuing historic designations with New York State and the National Register of Historic Places,” said Monsignor David LiPuma, pastor of the basilica, during a special announcement held on the grounds Thursday, May 16. “This was done as part of the vision of OLV’s leadership to ensure the long-term viability, protection, and preservation of the basilica and other Father Baker legacy buildings for another hundred years going forward.”

It was confirmed at this gathering that the basilica and other buildings have indeed been added to the state and federal historic registers. Among the images displayed was one of a street sign explaining the significance of the site. That sign will be erected in the future, though a specific date and location were unknown at Thursday’s event.

Opened in 1926, the basilica has been undergoing extensive – and expensive – renovations. The vintage pews were recently restored and reinstalled, while work continues atop the dome. By entry into the New York State and National Registers of Historic Places, OLV will be able to take advantage of critical funding perks.

“The listing also makes these properties eligible for preservation incentives, including grants and historic rehabilitation tax credits. This helps to ensure that these buildings and their history are protected for future generations,” said Kerry Traynor, president of KTA Preservation Specialists, a local consulting firm which aided OLV in pursuing state and federal designations.

Additionally, Lackawanna Mayor Annette Iafallo announced that city lawmakers will soon take up a vote to declare the OLV neighborhood a historic district.

Speakers noted that the state and national registry listing raise awareness not only of the buildings, but the stories of the people who built them, and whose lives were changed there. 

Patrick Kaler is president and chief executive officer of Visit Buffalo Niagara, the official tourism office which promotes destinations for attributes including artistic, cultural, and historic significance. He told the gathering that all of those attributes may be found at the basilica.

“But it goes beyond just the physical structure of the shrine and the basilica. It’s the story of Father Baker,” Kaler said. “His vision and dedication to the community, and especially the children, those are the special and unique parts of the legacy that visitors get to experience when they come to Erie County, and experience the basilica.”

Msgr. LiPuma, in his closing remarks, suggested Venerable Father Nelson Baker might be smiling down with joy at the efforts to celebrate and preserve his legacy. But he added that Fr. Baker deflected credit for his accomplishments and praised the Blessed Virgin Mary, stating “She did it all.”

A reception inside the OLV museum followed the formal announcement. But first, LiPuma met with local news reporters for additional questions about the historic designations. WNY Catholic asked him if there was hope Baker might become a saint in time for OLV’s centennial. He noted that earlier in the month, he went on a pilgrimage and visited the Vatican, and had a chance to put in a word for Baker.

“On the Wednesday we went to the general audience. And by chance, I had two wonderful ladies who were in wheelchairs. I was able to bring them up closer and before I knew it, the Holy Father came over and greeted us personally,” LiPuma explained. “I gave Pope Francis a rosary from our centennial, and I said to him ‘we have Father Baker. He’s venerable. We need two miracles. He smiled, so I’m hoping he understood.’”

Father Nelson Baker was named a Servant of God in 1987 then was declared Venerable in 2011. Two intercessory miracles must now be confirmed for Father Baker to be beatified, and then canonized. Efforts are now underway to state Baker’s case before the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints.

“We all know he’s a saint. We just want the world to know he’s a saint,” LiPuma said.