Father
Baker
Chances are if you have ever driven in to Buffalo from the South you have crossed over Father Baker's Bridge. Growing up I only new the man because of his bridge. Recently, the Buffalo News, has printed a series of articles about the blood of Father Baker, a local Catholic leader who died here in 1936. According to the News, blood collected from Father Baker's body at the time of his death is "unexplainably" still "fresh". This phenomenon, purportedly confirmed by a panel of medical experts, is being deemed a "miracle", and may be enough to get sainthood for Father Baker. The latest article, on Saturday, Nov. 25, is entitled. But Father Baker's legacy goes far beyound just the miracle of fresh blood. But Father Baker's most visible accomplishment was the Basilica of Our Lady of Victory dedicated to Jesus' Mother as Victorious Queen. The shrine -- built for nearly three million dollars and paid for entirely through donations -- was consecrated on May 26, 1926, and capped off Father Baker's 50th year in the priesthood and 85th year of life! The "Padre of the Poor" would be called upon time and time again through the last 10 years of his life as the Great Depression ravaged Western New York. Before passing away at the age of 95 in the very hospital he built, it was estimated that his institutions provided stability and care to hundreds of thousands of needy children, youth, and adults. Father Baker's legacy continues to this day in many ways. His social programs have evolved into Baker Victory Services, which provide care to more than 2,500 children each and every day, his Hospital continues to offer services to the area, his Homes of Charity provide the critical funds necessary to continue his social programs through donations, and his wonderful Basilica enjoys its 75th Anniversary in 2001. In addition, the Catholic Church named Father Baker "Servant of God" in 1987, the first step towards declaring him a saint. Currently, his cause for canonization, overseen by his third successor, Msgr. Robert C. Wurtz, is under review by Vatican officials in the hopes of beatifying the humble priest in the very near future.
Buffalo News Cost of Sainthood