Venerable Nelson Baker's legacy includes Our Lady of Victory National Shrine & Basilica

Venerable Nelson Baker's work led to the construction of the Our Lady of Victory National Shrine and Basilica, a century-old site in Lackawanna, New York, near Buffalo. The shrine features an improved dome designed to help worshipers see the faces of the saints and Our Lady of Victory.

Msgr. David LiPuma, the pastor and rector of the shrine, said Baker's devotion to Our Lady of Victory began during a pilgrimage to France and Italy. While visiting the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires church, Baker saw crutches on the wall and intercessory prayers at a side altar, leading him to dedicate his life to the patronage of Our Lady of Victory.

A Civil War veteran before becoming a priest, Baker earned the nicknames "Father of the Fatherless" and "Padre of the Poor" for his service to vulnerable young people. His efforts established a City of Charity, which continues to serve people through various organizations it created.