About National Shrine of Our Lady of Victory · Lackawanna, New York
The National Shrine of Our Lady of Victory, also known as Our Lady of Victory (OLV) Basilica, is a Minor Basilica and Catholic national shrine located at 767 Ridge Road in Lackawanna, New York, just south of Buffalo. Conceived and built by Venerable Nelson Baker between 1921 and 1926 as the crown jewel of his 'City of Charity,' the Basilica was designed in the Italian Renaissance tradition by architect Emile Ulrich and was, at the time of its completion, the second-largest copper dome in the United States after the U.S. Capitol. Designated a Minor Basilica by Pope Pius XI in 1926, it welcomes over 280,000 pilgrims and visitors each year, houses Father Baker's tomb in its Grotto Shrine, and serves as both an active parish church of the Diocese of Buffalo and a national pilgrimage destination.
- Established
- 1921
- Patron
- Our Lady of Victory (Blessed Virgin Mary, under the title of 'Our Lady of Victory')
- Rector
- Rev. Msgr. David G. LiPuma
- Diocese
- Diocese of Buffalo
Why belong here
OLV is far more than a parish — it is a living national pilgrimage site that draws 280,000+ visitors a year to pray at the tomb of Venerable Nelson Baker, the 'Padre of the Poor,' and at the Grotto Shrine to Our Lady of Lourdes. The Basilica offers daily and Sunday Masses with diverse musical styles (organ and cantor, contemporary folk, full choir), weekly Friday Eucharistic Adoration with Benediction, a daily Rosary in the lower-level Chapel, and a strong lineup of ministries — Altar & Rosary Society, the Victory for Christ prayer group, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Victorious Hearts marriage ministry, the OLV Service Corps for youth, music and docent/tour guide programs — making it a vibrant home for Western New York Catholics who want a parish rooted in deep history, sacred art, and active charity.
Mass times at National Shrine of Our Lady of Victory
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday 3:00–4:00 p.m.
- Saturday 7:00–7:30 p.m.
- Eve of Holy Day 3:00–4:00 p.m.
- Eve of First Friday 3:00–4:00 p.m.
Adoration times
- Every Friday following the 12:10 p.m. Mass, continuing until 5:00 p.m. Benediction
History of the National Shrine
The dream that became the Basilica of Our Lady of Victory began in the heart of one priest: Father Nelson Baker, Venerable of the Catholic Church. After a transformative 1874 pilgrimage to Europe deepened his devotion to the Blessed Mother, Baker was ordained in 1876 and assigned to St. Patrick's Parish in Lackawanna. Over four decades he built a 'City of Charity' — orphanages, hospitals, homes for the aged, and (after 1908) the OLV Infant Home for unwed mothers — all funded by his innovative direct-mail Association of Our Lady of Victory. In 1916 a fire destroyed the spire of St. Patrick's. Rather than rebuild it, the 74-year-old Baker unveiled a far grander plan: a European-style shrine to Our Lady of Victory, built with no funds in reserve. On May 7, 1921 he celebrated St. Patrick's final Mass, and in August 1921 Bishop William Turner of Buffalo blessed and laid the new cornerstone. Architect Emile Ulrich designed the Italian Renaissance basilica; Professor Gonippo Raggi and Marion Rzeznik planned the interior art; Otto Andrle fabricated the stained glass. By Christmas 1925 the Shrine was complete and fully paid for, and on May 25, 1926 it was solemnly consecrated — Cardinal Patrick Hayes assisting Bishop Turner and Father Baker. In July 1926 Pope Pius XI designated it a Minor Basilica, only the second church in the United States so honored. Father Baker served as pastor until his death on July 29, 1936.
- 1916: fire at St. Patrick's sparks the vision
- May 7, 1921: last Mass at old St. Patrick's
- August 1921: cornerstone blessed by Bishop William Turner
- Christmas 1925: Shrine complete and fully paid for (cost ~$3.2 million, no debt)
- May 25, 1926: solemn consecration
- July 1926: Pope Pius XI designates the Shrine a Minor Basilica
- July 29, 1936: death of Father Nelson Baker, age 94
Father Nelson Baker — 'Padre of the Poor'
Nelson Baker (1842–1936) is the soul of OLV. After entering the seminary at age 27 and being ordained in 1876, he spent the next sixty years creating a 'City of Charity' in Lackawanna that served orphans, the homeless, the elderly, and unwed mothers and their babies. During the Great Depression his institutions served more than 450,000 meals and provided 20,000 nights of free lodging, earning him the nickname 'Padre of the Poor.' Approximately 500,000 mourners paid their respects at his funeral. His Cause for Canonization was formally opened by the Vatican in 1987, when he was named a Servant of God. On January 14, 2011, Pope Benedict XVI declared him Venerable, recognizing his heroic virtue. His Cause now awaits confirmation of a miracle attributed to his intercession — the next step before beatification. His remains have rested since March 11, 1999 in the Grotto Shrine to Our Lady of Lourdes inside the Basilica.
- Cause opened 1987 (Servant of God)
- Declared Venerable by Pope Benedict XVI on January 14, 2011
- Cause now awaits confirmation of a miracle for beatification
Architecture & Sacred Art
Designed in the Italian Renaissance Revival style by Buffalo architect Emile Ulrich, the Basilica combines sumptuous materials with soaring scale. The exterior is faced in marble and dominated by a monumental copper dome: 165 feet external height (the second-largest in the U.S. at completion), 120 feet interior height, and 80 feet interior diameter. Four 18-foot copper trumpeting angels stand atop the dome. The interior space seats 1,200 and is enriched by a coordinated artistic program designed by Italian master Professor Gonippo Raggi and Buffalo artist Marion Rzeznik, with celebrated stained glass by local artisan Otto Andrle. A series of radiating chapels and altars surrounds the nave, while the south transept houses the Grotto Shrine to Our Lady of Lourdes (containing Father Baker's sarcophagus). A baptistry and the Father Baker Museum on the lower level complete the visitor's circuit. The dome's original copper was replaced on its outer skin in 2001–2002 and again rebuilt during the Centennial in heavier, more durable copper; an LED lighting system now reveals the dome, mosaics, and ornamentation as Ulrich and Raggi originally intended.
- Architect: Emile Ulrich
- Interior art: Prof. Gonippo Raggi (Italian master) and Marion Rzeznik (Buffalo artist)
- Stained glass: Otto Andrle
- Capacity: 1,200 seated
- Exterior material: marble and copper
The Cause for Canonization of Father Baker
The Cause for Father Baker's canonization is active and the parish invites the faithful to join in prayer. The Basilica publishes an official Prayer for Canonization asking that, through the intercession of Our Lady of Victory, the Servant of God Nelson Baker may one day be canonized. Msgr. Paul J. E. Burkard serves as Vice Postulator of the Cause. The Cause follows the four canonical steps: Servant of God (achieved 1987), Venerable (achieved January 14, 2011, by Pope Benedict XVI), Beatification (requires a verified miracle), and Canonization (requires a second verified miracle). The parish continues to seek reported miracles and welcomes prayers and reports of favors.
- Step 1 (Servant of God): 1987
- Step 2 (Venerable): January 14, 2011 (Pope Benedict XVI)
- Step 3 (Beatification): awaiting a verified miracle
- Step 4 (Canonization): awaiting a second verified miracle
Mass & Worship Schedule
The Basilica publishes a stable weekly schedule of Masses designed to serve a regional congregation and visiting pilgrims. Daily Mass is offered Monday through Saturday at 7:30 a.m. and 12:10 p.m., with an additional 8:15 a.m. school-day Mass on Fridays when OLV school is in session. Saturday's Vigil Mass is at 4:30 p.m. (Organ and Cantor), and Sunday Masses are celebrated at 8:00 a.m. (Organ and Cantor), 10:00 a.m. (Contemporary/Folk Music), 12:00 Noon (Choir Mass, September–June), and 4:30 p.m. (no music).
- Weekday Masses: 7:30 a.m. and 12:10 p.m. (Mon.–Sat.)
- Friday school-day Mass: 8:15 a.m. (when OLV school is in session)
- Saturday Vigil: 4:30 p.m.
- Sunday: 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. (folk), Noon (choir), 4:30 p.m.
Sacraments
In addition to the Mass and Confession schedule, the parish prepares Catholics for the full sacramental life. Couples should contact the rectory early in their engagement for marriage preparation; families seeking baptism are asked to attend the parish baptismal preparation program; the parish coordinates First Communion and Confirmation preparation for OLV children; and RCIA is offered for adults seeking initiation. Anointing of the Sick and pastoral care for the dying and bereaved are coordinated through the rectory.
- Baptism (parent preparation required)
- Marriage / weddings (advance scheduling required)
- First Communion & Confirmation preparation (parish programs)
- RCIA (adult initiation)
- Anointing of the Sick
- Funerals in the Basilica
Parish Ministries & Volunteer Opportunities
OLV offers a wide range of ministries for parishioners and visitors alike. The Altar & Rosary Society tends to altar linens and flowers and promotes devotion to the Rosary. The Victory for Christ Prayer Group meets Tuesday evenings. The St. Vincent de Paul Society provides home visits and material assistance to those in need. Victorious Hearts supports marriage and family life. The OLV Service Corps engages youth through the Seven Corporal Works of Mercy. There is also a vibrant Music Ministry (Director of Music Peter Gonciarz) and a Docent/Tour Guide program that introduces visitors to the Basilica's art, architecture, and Father Baker's legacy. The Father Baker Museum, located on the lower level, is supported by volunteer docents.
- Altar & Rosary Society
- Victory for Christ Prayer Group
- St. Vincent de Paul Society
- Victorious Hearts — Marriage
- OLV Service Corps (youth)
- Music Ministry
- Docents / Tour Guides
- Father Baker Museum docents
Tours & Pilgrimages
Free guided group tours may be scheduled Monday through Thursday and Saturday between 1:00 and 5:00 p.m. (no group tours on Fridays) provided they do not conflict with Masses, weddings, or funerals. Tours may include a Mass, private prayer time, or participation in the Rosary (11:30 a.m.) or Friday Adoration, if requested in advance. Highlights of the standard tour include the Main Altar, stained-glass windows, the radiating chapels and altars, the Grotto Shrine and Father Baker's tomb, the baptistry, and the Father Baker Museum on the lower level. A public guided tour is offered Sundays at 1:00 p.m. (no reservation needed). Tours are free; donations support ongoing restoration and maintenance. A self-guided virtual 3D tour of the Basilica is available on the website for those unable to visit in person.
- Group tours: Mon.–Thu. & Sat., 1:00–5:00 p.m.
- Sunday public tour: 1:00 p.m. (no reservation)
- Free admission; donations welcome
- Virtual 3D tour available online
Visiting the Basilica
The Basilica is open Monday through Friday 6:30 a.m.–7:00 p.m., Saturday until 7:30 p.m., and Sunday until 6:00 p.m. Admission is free and visitors of all faiths are welcome. Ample free parking is available in the lot behind the Shrine, accessible off South Park Avenue (Route 62). The Basilica is fully wheelchair accessible via ramps and elevator. Masses are livestreamed through the Basilica's website, with recordings available for later viewing.
- Hours: Mon.–Fri. 6:30 a.m.–7:00 p.m.; Sat. until 7:30 p.m.; Sun. until 6:00 p.m.
- Parking: behind the Shrine off South Park Avenue (Route 62)
- Accessibility: ramps and elevator throughout
- Livestream Masses available via the website
Clergy, Staff & Leadership
The Basilica is led by a team of priests and deacons who serve the parish and the wider pilgrim community. Rev. Msgr. David G. LiPuma is Pastor & Rector; Rev. Daniel R. Ulmer serves as Parochial Vicar; Rev. Msgr. Paul J. E. Burkard (Vice Postulator of Father Baker's Cause) is in residence. Deacons Michael V. Comerford and Mark Bialkowski (Deacon & Pastoral Associate) assist in pastoral ministry. Peter Gonciarz serves as Director of Music. The parish is part of the Diocese of Buffalo, currently led by Bishop Michael W. Fisher.
- Pastor & Rector: Rev. Msgr. David G. LiPuma
- Parochial Vicar: Rev. Daniel R. Ulmer
- In Residence: Rev. Msgr. Paul J. E. Burkard
- Deacon Michael V. Comerford
- Deacon Mark Bialkowski (Deacon & Pastoral Associate)
- Director of Music: Peter Gonciarz
- Diocese: Buffalo; Bishop Michael W. Fisher
Father Baker's Charities — The Continuing Mission
Father Baker's vision of charity has never been confined to the Basilica's walls. Today the OLV campus sustains multiple institutions that trace their origin to his 'City of Charity': Our Lady of Victory Human Services serves 10,000–12,000 children and families each year through adoption, foster care, pregnancy services, and child-welfare programs; the OLV Infant Home (founded 1908) and the original orphanages have evolved into a network of human-services agencies; and OLV Charities carries on Father Baker's direct-mail fundraising tradition, raising vital support for both the National Shrine and OLV Human Services.
- OLV Human Services: serves 10,000–12,000 children and families each year
- OLV Infant Home (founded 1908): now part of the modern human-services network
- OLV Charities: direct-mail fundraising arm supporting Shrine and charities
- Father Baker Museum (lower level of the Shrine): preserves the founder's legacy
Centennial Celebration & Renewal
Marking 100 years from the 1921 cornerstone blessing to the 1926 consecration, the Basilica undertook a five-year Centennial under the theme 'All Are Welcome.' The campaign focused on renewing both the physical building and the parish's spiritual reach. Outside, masons and roofers addressed aging masonry, gutters, and roofing, and the iconic copper dome is being rebuilt in heavier, more durable copper meant to last another century on Western New York's harsh lakefront skyline. Inside, the pews, floors, stained glass, plaster, paint, and ornamentation have been carefully restored; the original color palette has been revived; and a new LED lighting system now reveals the dome, mosaics, and artwork as the original designers intended. Concerts, art shows, special Masses, exhibits, and conferences welcomed an estimated 1.3 million visitors across the centennial period.
- Centennial theme: 'All Are Welcome' (2021–2026)
- Dome rebuilt in heavier copper for a second century
- Pews, floors, stained glass, plaster, paint, and ornamentation restored
- Original color palette revived, LED lighting installed
- Estimated 1.3 million visitors during the Centennial period
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. Nelson Baker1876–1936
Founder; superintendent of St. Patrick's Parish; designed and oversaw construction of the Shrine until his death on July 29, 1936, at age 94.
- Rev. Msgr. Joseph Maguire
Baker's first successor; oversaw replacement of the lightning-damaged marble spires with the lower enclosed copper-domed towers that still top the Basilica.
