On May 31, 2026, the National Shrine and Basilica of Our Lady of Victory in Lackawanna, New York, will celebrate 100 years since its consecration.
This concludes a five-year centennial celebration that has included events, a remembrance of the life of Father Nelson Baker (now declared Venerable by the Catholic Church), and a restoration project that continues to bring new life to the structure.
The theme of the celebration? All Are Welcome, reminding us that all are called to the care of our Heavenly Mother.
To fully appreciate the history of this National Shrine, one has to know the man behind it.
Who is Venerable Father Nelson Baker?
Born in 1842, Father Nelson Baker was a humble, hardworking man who spent his youth and early twenties fighting in the Civil War, participating in the Battle of Gettysburg, and restoring order during the Draft Riots.
In 1869, he responded to the Lord's call and entered the seminary. During a life-changing pilgrimage to Europe in 1874, he developed a deep love for the Virgin Mary under her title, Our Lady of Victory.
From his ordination in 1876 onward, his determination, radical faith, and entrepreneurial spirit were put to work building up the Church.
He was a master fundraiser, founding the Association of Our Lady of Victory and pioneering direct-mail fundraising at a time when the practice was still in its infancy. The fruits of those efforts were channeled into the corporal works of mercy, including the OLV Infant Home serving mothers and their babies.
After a devastating fire at St. Patrick's Church, Father Baker saw an opportunity to build a grand new church in honor of Our Lady of Victory, one that would serve not only local Catholics but also stand as an epicenter of devotion for the entire country.
Moved by the beauty of the European churches that had shaped his Marian devotion decades earlier, he set out to bring that beauty to Lackawanna.
Construction of the National Shrine and Basilica of Our Lady of Victory in Lackawanna, New York
After five years of construction, the church celebrated its first Mass on Christmas Day 1925, was consecrated in 1926, and was named a Minor Basilica by Pope Pius XI, only the second in America following St. Mary's Basilica in Minneapolis.
In recent years, the shrine has undertaken a significant effort to restore its interior and exterior beauty in various stages.
Inside, the pews, floors, lighting, stained-glass windows, and decorative elements were completely restored, bringing the interior sanctuary back to life.
The exterior structure was also repaired, culminating in the rebuilding of the iconic dome. At the time of its construction, it was one of the largest in the country, second only to the Capitol in Washington, D.C. It is now re-covered with new copper sheeting built to last another century.
Parishioners and pilgrims alike continue to fly to the protection of Our Lady of Victory here in Lackawanna.
Surely, Father Baker would be filled with joy to see this magnificent house of worship still calling God's people to the mantle of Mary's protection 100 years after its consecration.
Our Lady of Victory National Shrine & Basilica is a home for all who seek beauty, truth, and the Lord’s love.
Learn more about OLV Shrine’s restoration efforts and centennial celebration by visiting their website.
To learn more about America’s Basilicas, check out my forthcoming book, Basilicas: A Pilgrim’s Guide to America’s Most Remarkable Catholic Churches