Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) From the outside, the shiny new copper dome atop Our Lady of Victory Basilica in Lackawanna, is hard to miss. But the work underway inside is equally as dramatic.
"It's amazing inside," said Father David LiPuma, Pastor of the Basilica. "We're doing the plaster and paint repair damaged after the dome was compromised.
There's water damage and we're doing our best to restore the original colors and ornamentation."
A team of 16 is working at night on the project from 5pm to 5am Monday through Friday.
LiPuma said everyday that he goes in, he sees more work done and the glory of the original Basilica is really coming to life again.
"When they finish for the night, they put everything away. They take the tarps off, so we can have weekend weddings and masses as normal."
The timing of the work is tied to the Basilica's Centennial Celebration.
"In 1921, Father Nelson Baker laid the cornerstone and he had it completed and paid for by Christmas Day of 1925," said LiPuma.
He added this was an opportune time to take care of the treasure for the next 100 years.
"I'm really in awe when I walk into the Basilica. This Christmas, when I celebrate midnight mass, it will be the 100th anniversary of the first mass that Father Baker celebrated in 1925 on Christmas Day. It's very moving to think about. And of course, all are welcome in our beautiful, restored, National Shrine and Basilica."
Work on the copper dome on the exterior is continuing when weather permits. The entire copper roof is being replaced. That part will not be finished until 2027.
