Lackawanna, N.Y. (WBEN) - Mass on Christmas will have added meaning at Our Lady Victory Basilica this year.
The Midnight Christmas mass will mark the 100 year anniversary of the first mass said at the OLV National Shrine & Basilica by Father Nelson Baker on Christmas Day 1925.
"It's so meaningful to think back 100 years ago to what it must have felt like for him as he stood before the altar and the first congregation that gathered,"
said Fr. David LiPuma, Pastor of the Basilica. "I'm truly humbled. Thinking about this moment fills my heart with great emotion, great joy."
The Basilica, which is the largest church in the Buffalo Diocese, in terms of historical significance, and grandeur, was constructed after a fire damaged the St. Patrick's Church that Fr. Baker was pastor at in 1916.
It has been undergoing a massive renovation inside and out, including interior painting and plaster repair.
"It's back to the original colors that Fr. Baker envisioned. People are amazed as they walk in. The contractors have taken a break for Christmas and will return in January."
Christmas Eve masses at the Basilica are at:
4 pm
6:30 pm
Midnight
Christmas Day masses are at:
8 am
10 am
12 noon
Fr. LiPuma's message for the faithful, please come home for Christmas.
"Sometimes people feel distanced from God. They feel like they've been away so long that God doesn't care about them or love them. And I tell everybody, come home for Christmas, because God loves you more than you can possibly imagine. Open the door and walk in. No judgement. You are welcome here," said LiPuma.