LACKAWANNA, N.Y. (WBEN) – People from around the world, including Buffalo, are expressing their sadness over the fire that severely damaged the Notre Dame Cathedral on Monday.
The fire is also putting eyes on Lackawanna’s Our Lady of Victory National Shrine and Basilica.
Albeit much smaller, the basilica, located on Ridge Road in Lackawanna, is considered one of, if not the, most popular churches in all of Western New York. Built in the 1920’s, the basilica was opened at a cost of $3.7 million, according to Monsignor Paul Burkard, who is the pastor in his 13th year there.
The alarm system triggers an immediate response to Lackawanna Fire.
Two Lackawanna Fire Stations are within close proximity to the basilica should any fire break out. Lackawanna’s Division Station 1 is located about 1.5 miles down Ridge Road, while Division Station 3 is located within a mile on South Park Avenue. Both fire stations are a straight-shot to the church.
Anywhere from 30,000 to 40,000 people visit the basilica each year. Because this week is holy week, more people are inclined to visit the church. Our Lady of Victory Homes of Charity CEO David Kersten told us there is a “pulse” and “vibe” at the basilica because of what happened in France.
“From what I’ve read, it would be in the billions,” Kersten said about the cost of a full repair of the basilica. “For examples, the pews in the basilica are from African mahogany. It’s an extinct wood. There’s certain elements of that facility which you would never replace again.”
The basilica has services all week for holy week.