Monday, April 4, 2011

Civil War Saint?

     For those that may not know, one of my interests is the American Civil War.  It is the human interest side of things that peaks my interest.  During lunch today I was looking through the most recent issue of Civil War Times and came across an article entitled "From Civil War Soldier to Saint?" regarding Father Nelson H. Baker.  Many of us know of Father William Corby who ministered to the soldiers at Gettysburg, and the Sisters of Charity of Emmittsburg who brought the compassion of Christ to those who fought there.

     During the war, Nelson Baker fought in a unit in New York, helping to end the New York Draft Riots.  After the war he was a grain merchant in Buffalo before entering the seminary.  He was ordained a priest in Lackawanna (outside of Buffalo) and devoted his life "to running soup kitchens for immigrants of all kinds, homes for abandoned children and unwed mothers, and outreach to African Americans".  He died in 1936 at the age of 94.

     Father Baker also built the most beautiful basilica church in Lackawanna, where he is buried.  It is a tribute to his hard work and to the Faith of the Church in the Buffalo area.  Recently the Holy Father recognized his "heroic virtues".  That is one of the steps to sainthood.  If a miracle is attributed to Father Baker, he will be eligible for beatification (like John Paul II on May 1st).  A second miracle will lead to sainthood.

     Last September my sister Janie joined me in a trip to Niagara Falls.  We visited the Basilica in Lackawanna and prayed in that holy spot.  I really was not aware of the place that Father Baker has in the Church until I mentioned our trip to Bishop Brandt and he pointed out that some day Father Baker will undoubtedly be a saint.

     Servant of God, Father Nelson Baker, pray for us.

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