Pennies to Heaven: Fr. Baker's legacy lives on

Lackawanna, N.Y. (WBEN) - 90 years after his death, Fr. Nelson Baker is still inspiring generations.

This weekend, Lackawanna celebrates Fr. Baker weekend with the annual Pennies to Heaven festivities. Fr. David LiPuma, Pastor of Our Lady of Victory Basilica, tells WBEN that Fr. Baker's legacy is stronger than ever because of his unwavering faith and his lifelong commitment to help children and families in need.

The celebration includes something for everyone, from a car show and a jazz Mass on Saturday to the annual Penny Drop on Sunday. There is also a Mass for Fr. Baker at 12 p.m. and a chicken barbecue and beer tent and a dunk tank.

Click HERE for a link to the full schedule of events.

"Beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, we line the front walkway up to the Basilica with two by fours and plastic and people start dropping pennies and coins that they have collected throughout the year," said LiPuma. "Fr. Baker always believed that even the smallest donation could make a big difference."

Fr. LiPuma added he prays everyday for Fr. Baker's canonization, hopeful that one day the beloved priest will be recognized as a saint by the Catholic Church.

"We still have to get the right miracle in front of the congregation in Rome for that, but I have high hopes. The church right now in the United States, and particularly here in the Diocese of Buffalo, needs something like this to happen, to lift our spirits and to remind us of the holiness of the priesthood."