The basilica was constructed in the 1920s entirely without debt, financed through Father Baker's extensive fundraising and international mail-order donation program.
The dome is constructed of reinforced concrete and is modeled after the Basilica of St. Peter in Rome.
The interior contains over 30 different types of imported marble, including varieties from Italy, France, and Belgium.
The building features 51 stained glass windows crafted by Munich-based studio Zettler Studios.
It was designated a National Shrine by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in 1926.
The central altar is sculpted from a single block of Carrara marble weighing several tons.
Father Baker's remains are interred in a marble tomb located within the basilica's nave.
Our Lady of Victory National Shrine & Basilica is a monumental Roman Catholic minor basilica located in Lackawanna, New York. Constructed from white marble, the structure is crowned by a massive central dome rising 165 feet above the nave. It was built under the guidance of Father Nelson Baker and holds the status of a National Shrine. The interior features Carrara marble, elaborate mosaics, and bronze statuary commissioned from European artisans. The shrine serves as the final resting place of Father Baker, whose cause for canonization is currently under review by the Vatican. The building houses an extensive collection of religious art, including a notable Carrara marble sculpture of the Pietà.
The view from the center of the main aisle looking upward toward the dome interior.
Check the official website for mass schedules before visiting to avoid arriving during services.
The surrounding OLV Charities campus includes a small museum dedicated to Father Baker's life and the construction of the shrine.
Self-guided tour brochures are often available in the vestibule for visitors interested in the iconography.
Avoid visiting during funeral services or weddings, which occur frequently and restrict access to the central nave.
Modest dress is required; shoulders and knees should be covered. Refrain from taking photographs during active religious services.
