The years since Father Baker's death in 1936 have been marked by change and expansion for the OLV Institutions. As society has changed much in the decades since the 1930s, so, too, has the organization which carries on the legacy of the "Padre of the Poor."

Father Baker's death in 1936, although not a shock (he had lived to be 94 years old), still dealt a blow to the staff of the OLV Institutions. Rev. Joseph Maguire, who had been serving as Father Baker's right-hand man in the latter stages of his life, was tapped to succeed his mentor as Superintendent of the Institutions and Pastor of the Parish.

Although the institutions continued to grow, federal law began to change the way "Father Baker's Boys" were cared for. By 1939, only 200 boys remained at the Protectory, while numbers at the Orphanage also dwindled. As the older boys heeded the call to fight in World War II, that figure sunk even lower.

In 1941, the Basilica would see one of very few structural changes in its history. A violent lightning storm did considerable damage to both of the shrine's twin towers. The structures were rebuilt, closed, and topped with copper domes.

As the number of youths at the OLV Institutions decreased, the number of families at OLV Parish continued to soar. The needs of the parish community, its elementary school and newly-built four-year high school, grew to a point that the aging Msgr. Maguire (he was named a Monsignor in 1942) had a tough time keeping up. Understanding the importance of both sides of the organization, Bishop John Francis Cardinal O'Hara split the duties of Superintendent and Pastor in 1949. Msgr. Maguire continued on as pastor, while a familiar face returned to the top post of the institutions. Rev. Joseph McPherson, an assistant to Father Baker in 1936 and a pallbearer for the "Padre of the Poor," was named superintendent. His tenure would prove to be an important one for organization as it struggled to keep up with the changing times.

The 1950s saw nationwide movements toward ideas such as foster care and group homes. Orphanages disappeared as governmental programs sprung up everywhere. It became obvious to all in Lackawanna, that the OLV Institutions would have to adapt or die. 1956 was a year of substantial change. In that year, both the Protectory and the Orphanage, sanctuaries for needy children for more than 100 years, were closed. Although the services provided by both were combined, their mission of helping youth that were deemed beyond help, remained unchanged. In October of 1956, this new branch of services became known as Baker Hall, a residence for delinquent teenagers. The organization's headquarters moved into the orphanage building (today's 780 Ridge Road facility). Years later, in 1962, the Protectory was torn down. A high school (presently Baker Hall School at 777 Ridge Road) and a new rectory were built in its place.

Philosophical changes were also seen at the Infant Home. As society became more accepting of teenage and/or unwed mothers, the number of children remanded to the custody of the Infant Home began to fall. In 1956, the organization welcomed a new population to the 50-year-old sanctuary: youths with severe developmental disabilities. These special youths were welcomed with open arms.

Things would change again just five years later, as Baker Hall was moved. A trend away from sterile institutional settings and toward more homelike, cottage-style residences for teenagers led to the opening of several such facilities on Martin Road. Located on land which had for many years served as Father Baker's farm, these cottages offered a more therapeutic environment to their teenage residents.

In 1971, after 35 years with the OLV Institutions and 60 as a priest, Msgr. Maguire retired as Pastor of OLV Parish. His replacement, Msgr. Robert Murphy, took the reins and immediately launched a much-needed, several-year refurbishment campaign for the Basilica. Improvements to the interior and exterior of the shrine begun by Msgr. Murphy prolonged the life and lustre of the magnificent OLV Basilica.

Another change in leadership took place in 1979, when Msgr. McPherson was named Chairman of the Board of the OLV Institutions. His assistant, Rev. Robert Wurtz, then became chief executive of the Infant Home and Baker Hall.

More than 50 years after his death, Father Baker's story saw a new, even more exciting chapter begin. In 1987, Bishop Edward Head announced that the Vatican had conferred upon the "Padre of the Poor" the title of Servant of God. The step, the first of three in the canonization process, signalled to the worldwide Catholic community what Western New York had known for years -- Father Nelson Baker's life was one of supreme faith and tremendous accomplishments, and certainly deserving to be held up to others as an example of tremendous piety.

Msgr. Wurtz would become much busier in 1994, when Msgr. Murphy retired as Pastor of OLV Parish. By doing so, Msgr. Wurtz became the first man to hold the top post at both the parish and the OLV Institutions since 1949.
Under his watchful eye, another major restructuring would change the face of the organization. In 1996, Baker Hall and the Infant Home were combined to create a single entity, Baker Victory Services. Although steps leading up to the merger dated back to 1983, the move was made official on January 8, 1996. The merger allowed for a streamlining of services, thus creating a more efficient organization.

Once again, the incredible story of Father Baker grabbed headlines throughout the area in 1999. Acting on a recommendation from the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Msgr. Wurtz announced that Father Baker's earthly remains would be transferred from Holy Cross Cemetery into his most beloved project -- the OLV Basilica. The move, according to the Holy See, would increase the number of visitors to Father Baker's final resting place. As the Basilica routinely drew 10,000 people a year, and Holy Cross Cemetery approximately 2,000, the switch in locale would lead to a greater awareness of Father Baker's story, advancing his Cause for Canonization.

On March 11, 1999, a special Prayer Service was given by Msgr. Wurtz and Bishop Henry Mansell, as Father Baker's coffin was led into the shrine. Six men, themselves "Father Baker Boys," acted as pallbearers for the solemn occasion. Close to 1,500 well-wishers packed the Basilica as the remains of the "Padre of the Poor" were lowered into a sarcophagus. During the course of the day, it is estimated than close to 7,000 individuals from all over the area passed by Father Baker's coffin to pay their respects. Finally, at 11 p.m., the sarcophagus was sealed. Father Baker had come home.

Today, as the organization celebrates its 150th Anniversary, the OLV Institutions offer a rare glimpse of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Ghosts of the past walk side-by-side with grand visions of the future, while towering spires of decades-old buildings share the skyline with more modern architectural designs. It is a unique place where the timeless ideal of helping those that cannot help themselves shapes the lives of all who seek assistance.

As the National Shrine of Our Lady of Victory is a jewel of the Diocese of Buffalo, the OLV Parish is likewise. Under Msgr. Wurtz's watch ful eye, the parish community has grown to include close to 3,000 families. In addition, the parish oversees the operation of OLV Elementary School, which welcomes 400 students each year.

When Father Baker began to write letters to Catholic women from around the country to support his work with abandoned youth, he could not have foreseen the impact his Association of Our Lady of Victory would have. Today, the work of the OLV Homes of Charity is critical to the needy children and families cared for within the OLV Institutions. Each year, the Homes provides much-needed funding to the "City of Charity's" human service programs through a variety of methods. Just one of these is the Spiritual Association of Our Lady of Victory, which was begun by Father Baker himself in 1882. The Association has grown by leaps and bounds over the years and now includes more than 70,000 individuals internationally. Other support initiatives continued by the Homes include the Helping Hands Club, the Crib Donors' Guild, the Golden Treasury of Masses, and a diverse Planned Giving program, which offers long-term financial benefits for its donors as well as the children of the OLV Institutions. Each year, tens of thousands of generous people actively participate in the programs ran by the Homes of Charity, supporting the compassionate mission of the organization. Many are touched by the youngsters in-need, others by the remarkable story of the organization's founder, Father Baker, and many more by the desire to offer their gratitude to the Blessed Mother, under the title of Our Lady of Victory.

As mentioned, there is much in Lackawanna - "within the shadow of the Basilica's dome" - that is the same as it was during the latter years of Father Baker's life, but there are changes, too. On many occasions, the humble priest would talk about the need to "keep up with the times." And nowhere within the institutions is that more true than at Baker Victory Services (BVS). Created in 1996, BVS offers some of the same programming which was provided by the institutions decades ago. Adoption services, both international and domestic, are utilized by more than 120 loving families each year. Foster care services continue to place children into caring homes throughout the area. Unwed mother/infant care is performed by the Women's Services program and includes maternity programs for pregnant teens and a mother/child group home. And today's residential services for troubled adolescents still ascribe to Father Baker's declaration that "there are no bad boys." Through three unique levels of care, young men and women with behavioral and/or emotional needs can receive the assistance they require.

In addition, the agency offers a broad array of other diverse programs. The Educational Services Division is comprised of four unique educational settings for youth from birth to age 21. The Outpatient Services Division provides care to those in need with the purpose of preventing out-of-home placement. These services range from individual psychiatric treatment to parenting classes. Also, a number of programs are available for individuals with developmental disabilities. Twenty-four-hour care is provided for residents of all ages who may have severe medical needs and/or a number of disorders such as mental retardation, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, etc.

Baker Victory Services continues Father Baker's compassionate legacy of caring begun more than a century ago. Each day, 800 dedicated staff members prove that although society has changed much since Father Baker's time, one thing has not: the ability of the organization to offer hope to those who have had little.

This year, the organization looks back on 150 years of serving the needs of the region. Through its highs and lows, the compassionate work of the organization has continued - and will continue. For as long as there are children and families in need, the OLV Institutions will exist.