Father Baker's

When Father Baker's is mentioned many think of being sent there as children.  That was a home for wayward boys, but girls heard the words too.  It was synonymous with "straighten up!"  Who knew there was so much more?

Father Baker had been an orphan, and when he became a priest he dedicated his life to those less fortunate, especially children.  He also built the magnificent Our Lady of Victory Basilica in South Park Avenue in Lackawanna, just past Ridge Road.  The view from the parking lot, which doesn't give it justice:

Went there for a short bit on Saturday but didn't take many pictures.  For one thing, thee were small groups of people in there, both sightseeing and praying.  Although it is open to tourists when there isn't a mass scheduled, I don't think everyone appreciates gawkers.  One group came in and softly burst into a verse of Ave Maria, which seemed fitting.

The stained glass is beautiful, there are many smaller alters, and the Stations of the Cross stay with the visitors throughout. It is said that there are 1000's of angels everywhere, both inside and out.  Two are pictured here (click to enlarge):

 

 

There is a museum on the ground floor dedicated to the life of Father Nelson H. Baker, who is within the steps for sainthood.  His crypt is also located in a grotto near the front alter (the immediate history is here). Even if someone hadn't been kneeling in front I probably wouldn't have raised the camera.  Different than a headstone; it seems disrespectful.

Like I said, I didn't take many pictures, but you can visit the website, or better yet, go there and be awestruck in person!