By Eileen Buckley
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-736063.mp3
Buffalo, NY – Fr. Nelson Baker died 72 years ago, but honoring his work is an annual celebration at Our Lady of Victory Basilica in Lackawanna.
Tuesday marks the actual anniversary of the death of Fr. Baker. He died July 29, 1936. A Father Baker Day Mass was held Sunday at OLV. OLV pastor, Msgr. Paul Burkard, says in the Catholic Church, the day of death is marked as a person's feast day because it is considered their entrance into heaven.
Msgr. Burkard also serves as vice-postulator for Fr. Baker's cause for canonization. Burkard says the road to sainthood is certainly a lengthy process.
Fr. Baker was considered a saintly priest, best remembered for his work with orphans and getting the Basilica built. Burkard says right now the Vatican is examining Father Baker's work and a miracle.
More than 20-thousand people visit the Basilica each year to pray at the tomb of Father Baker. Many ask for help with illness or seek spiritual healing and guidance.
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