Bishop Robert Cunningham’s latest column (March 31) in The Catholic Sun focuses on the life of Father Nelson Baker, who was declared venerable by Pope Benedict XVI on January 14. He writes that after making a pilgrimage to Our Lady of Victory Basilica—founded by Father Baker, he “marveled at the amazing good that one priest can do.” Through Father Baker’s keen business acumen, he was able to help the struggling Buffalo parish and its orphanage stay open, eventually enlarging it, adding a maternity ward, establishing a home for unwed mothers and their babies, a protectory for young men and a working boys home for older adolescents. Bishop Cunningham writes that Father Baker “expanded the facilities into a city of charity” and because of this, he was known as the “Padre of the Poor.”
Included with the article are these prayers.
Father Baker’s favorite prayer: O Victorious Lady! Thou who has such powerful influence with Thy Divine Son, in conquering the hardest of hearts, intercede for those for whom we pray, that their hearts being softened by the rays of Divine Grace, they may return to the unity of the true faith, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for the canonization of Father Baker: Lord you gave us Your servant Nelson Baker as an example of service to the poor, homeless, and young. By Father Baker’s ardent concern for those in need, inflame our hearts and lives with compassion for the poor, justice for the oppressed, hope for the troubled, and courage to those in doubt. We pray through the intercession of Our Lady of Victory, if it be your will, that your servant, Nelson Baker, may one day be canonized. Amen.
The Ambrosian 