Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Almost 90 years after his death, the legacy of Fr. Nelson Baker continues to shape Western New York. Now, it's reaching a new generation of readers.
A children's book - "Father Baker: A Friend to All" - introduces young audiences to the beloved priest who founded Our Lady of Victory Basilica and National Shrine in Lackawanna and devoted his life to caring for orphans, the poor and families in need.
"We're excited to launch it this week, as part of Read Across America Week," said Fr. David LiPuma, Pastor and Rector of the Basilica. "The theme for the event is championing kindness and you couldn't ask for a better example of kindness than Fr. Nelson Baker."
Hold on a minute.
Many Western New York children grew up with the warning that they might be "sent to Fr. Baker" if they didn't behave. That phrase has echoed in households throughout Buffalo and beyond.
Yet, Fr. LiPuma said the man behind that warning was anything but fearsome.
"I was raised the same way," said LiPuma. "But Fr. Baker's story is far from that. He was very compassionate. That reputation came because he had a reform school for troubled youth. Boys were sent there to turn their lives around and that's exactly what he did."
LiPuma added that he wants people to know that Baker was the most compassionate, generous, most selfless man and a hero in his own right.
The book is designed for young audiences, between 8 and 12 years of age who don't really know about Fr. Baker.
"This brings him to life," he added. "It takes him out of the history books and makes him very relevant today and hopefully inspires kids to be more
compassionate, more kind and to pay it forward."
Over 1300 printed copies of the book are being distributed to Catholic Elementary Schools across the Buffalo Diocese.
The book is also available in the OLV gift shop at the Basilica at 767 Ridge Road in Lackawanna.