Exterior The design of the exterior of the basilica was the work of French ecclesiastical architect Emile Ulrich. The majority of the exterior of the shrine is constructed almost entirely of pure white marble, supplied by the Georgia Marble Company of
Tate, Georgia. Throughout the basilica's interior and parts of the exterior, a combination of more than 40 different types, colors, and designs of Italian marble can also be found.
Great dome A prominent feature of the basilica's exterior is the large copper dome. The dome, measuring 165 feet in height, was second in size only to the
U.S. Capitol building in
Washington, D.C. at the time of its completion in 1926. Over the years, the dome's original copper has aged to a green patina, as expected. Four copper
angel statues playing
trumpets, measuring 18 feet tall, are mounted on the dome.
Twin towers The original twin towers of the basilica, when completed in 1926, stood at a height of 165 feet (about 16 stories). The
spires were made completely of marble and had an open design. In 1941, a violent lightning storm caused major damage to both the towers, forcing redesign and refurbishing. The new towers, enclosed and much shorter than the originals, are topped with copper domes, similar to the design of the basilica's Great Dome.
Main entrance Two large
colonnades extend outward and flank the exterior sides of the shrine at the main entrance. On top of each is a marble sculpture of a group of children overseen by a large angel. On the left colonnade (when facing the basilica's front), the children are led by a
religious sister. This figure represents the
Sisters of St. Joseph, the order which has staffed the Our Lady of Victory Institutions since 1856. On the right colonnade, the children are led by a priest, Father Baker. This figure of Baker was ordered by Ulrich to honor the priest for his several contributions to the Our Lady of Victory Institutions. Also at the entrance to the basilica is a domed
niche that houses a 12-foot-tall, 16,000-pound (eight tons) statue of Our Lady of Victory, crafted of the finest
Carrara marble available.
Interior The great dome and ceiling The largest work of art is the decoration of the Great Dome, in diameter, which depicts the
Assumption of Mary and the Blessed Mother's
Coronation. Around the dome's outer edge, the
12 apostles and three
archangels are shown, while an angelic host carries Mary towards heaven. Slightly higher within the dome, Jesus in red robes can be seen awaiting her. At the pinnacle of the dome, above the basilica floor, a
white Dove of Peace looks down from
Heaven at the basilica. From the Great Dome to the choir loft, the
ceiling is covered by five giant
murals. They depict Mary as Queen of Patriarchs, Queen of the Apostles, Queen of the Angels, Queen of the Prophets, and Queen of the Martyrs. The two walls on the basilica's sides feature huge paintings depicting scenes from the Gospels: the
Massacre of the Innocents, the
Flight into Egypt, and the
Birth of Jesus at
Bethlehem.
The main altar The main altar features a tall, statue of Our Lady of Victory. This was blessed by
Pope Pius XI after being sculpted in Italy. Baker placed a painting of the pope on the altar in return. Flanking the altar are four, swirled marble columns of rare red marble, reminiscent of
St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. A legend told about the marble says a group of Buffalo-born soldiers stumbled upon the unique red marble while in Spain during World War I. Upon seeing it, the soldiers thought immediately of the basilica being built at home by Father Baker. They went to talk to the Spanish farmer who owned the property. After hearing the story of Father Baker, the farmer agreed to donate the "useless rock" on his property. Arrangements were made and the marble was sent to Lackawanna to complete the work on the basilica's altar. The main altar stands under a bright blue dome depicting the
Holy Spirit in brilliant hues. On the ceiling over the altar, an elongated panel represents "Queen of All Saints". Among the saints are
Mary Magdalene,
St. Anthony,
St. Elizabeth,
St. Anne, and
St. Theresa. had wanted to find a construction material that was "untouched by humans" to commemorate the
vision of the Blessed Mother to
St. Bernadette in
Lourdes, France.
Other places of interest Other sculptures and artwork: The interior is decorated with several religious paintings, sculptures, and
mosaics depicting devotion to the Blessed Mother. It is estimated that from 1,500 to 2,500 angels can be found in the basilica in the sculptures and artwork. It was Baker's plan to place an angel in every possible sightline, to remind visitors that although the basilica is dedicated to Our Lady of Victory, its main purpose is meant primarily for God's praise and glory.
Pews and aisle: The basilica's
pews are made of rare
African mahogany, and provide seating for more than 1,200 individuals. The shrine's floor and aisle are gradually sloped to ensure that all have an unobstructed view of the basilica's main altar.
Altars: In keeping with the style of architecture, five unique altars line the rear wall behind the main altar. These altars are dedicated to:
St. Patrick,
St. Aloysius Gonzaga, Mary Immaculate, St. Anne, and
St. Vincent de Paul whose life work with the poor and needy inspired Father Baker.
Baptistery: Located adjacent to the main altar, the bapistery features a marble baptismal font, as well as dozens of wall and ceiling paintings with religious symbols and peoples.
Father Baker Museum: During late 2009, construction began to create a small museum about Father Baker's life and the history of the Our Lady of Victory Institutions. It is located in the basilica's basement, where the chapel and Father Baker Rooms were formerly located. A number of photos, official documents, vintage newspapers, and Baker's belongings are on display. Items such as Father Baker's desk, books, clothing, and furniture can be found throughout the museum. Also in the museum are cases of photos, information, and
memorabilia from the Our Lady of Victory Institutions, such as the Infant Home,
Orphanage, Protectory, and the basilica itself. On that floor of the basilica is the remodeled gift shop offering religious items such as rosaries, and related goods. ==Gallery==