OLV debuts ‘Father of the Fatherless’ comic book about saintly Father Baker

He has no super powers. He can’t fly. He doesn’t even have a colorful costume. But Father Baker is the newest comic book hero. OLV Charities has teamed up with Voyage Comics to produce a one-shot issue about the life of Buffalo’s own Venerable Nelson H. Baker.

More than 3,000 free copies of the comic book will be distributed to local Catholic schools by the end of the school year. The books will be used as summer reading materials and in classrooms.

“Father of the Fatherless” was created to connect young people with the incredible story of Father Baker in a way that is engaging, colorful and fun. Based on the authorized biography, “Father of the Fatherless” by Richard Gribble, CSC, the comic book tells of Father Baker’s life from his baptism at age 9 to his death in 1936.

Msgr. Paul J.E. Burkard and Msgr. David LiPuma spoke to the students from OLV School, SS. Peter & Paul School, and the local homeschoolers at a launch party for the book June 4 in the Father Baker Museum in Lackawanna.

“He’s a very interesting person. Here in Western New York, where we all live, he is the person who is closest to a saint. We hope he will someday be a saint in our Church. He’s on the way,” Msgr. Burkard told nearly 70 students.

The book shows Father Baker as a regular kid who loved playing baseball, but chose to use his snack money to buy a religious statue rather than ice cream. Then he fights in the Civil War, becomes a successful businessman, then answers a call to the priesthood. His care for the poor is as much of a motif as baseball.

Msgr. LiPuma, pastor/rector of OLV National Shrine & Basilica, read several passages from the book with the children.

“This has been a dream come true to create an actual comic book on the story of Father Baker’s life,” Msgr. LiPuma said later. “The whole reason to do this is to engage our children today, and their families, into the life and legacy of Father Baker. Generations know about Father Baker, but certainly younger generations do not know. When you hear his story, and we’re looking for heroes in the world today, you couldn’t ask for a more heroic figure than Father Baker.”

Msgr. LiPuma feels children can relate to Father Baker, who lived from 1842-1936, who loved sports and music, was a great student and cared about people.

“The important thing for us to remember is Father Baker believed in the innocence of every child and the ability of every child to live their life to the best,” he said. “He gave everyone; countless children and families, opportunities. So, we want the children today to know that they’re loved by Father Baker, they are welcome here, and that they can be inspired by his great story.”

Founded in 2018 by Philip Kosloski, Voyage Comics & Publishing creates positive, faith-filled entertainment formed by Catholic values. Other books in their catalog include “Champion of the Poor: Father Joe Walijewski,” and “Digital Disciple: Carlo Acutis and the Eucharist.”

Funding came from the Carl Tripi Foundation, which funds mass communication and digital video initiatives.