Posted on 05/10/2002 6:34:27 PM PDT by JMJ333
Church History abounds with holy and loving priests who served as educators of young boys. Standing out as a shining example is St. John Bosco. He was the founder of the Salesian Order and over the years cared for more than 800 boys who looked to him for inspiration and guidance.
He dedicated his life to the abandoned children of Turin, Italy, and began youth clubs for them. He then started hostels and boarding schools, where he taught them trades.
The educational philosophy of John Bosco can be condensed in three words: reason, religion, and kindness. The basic principle of his system was a deep understanding and love for young people and their problems.
He provided spiritual comfort and brought the Sacraments to those who were feared by society.
He ultimately contracted the dreaded disease and died at age 49.
Thank you for the beautiful post.
God Bless,
EODGUY
-Sister Lucy of Fatima
I think you underestimate. >smile<
One of our retired priests just died on Wednesday. He was such a sweet person with such a pure heart, please pray for Fr. Joe.
Confronted with the silent testimony of history, the enemies of the church know by experience that she is holy and immortal. Persecutions are of no avail.
Father Joe will be in my evening prayers tonight.
God bless,
EODGUY
Matt. 16:18
Matt. 24:35
BVS: Serving Children & Families Since 1854
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 Baker Victory Services Caring for Children, Youth & Families Since 1854 To jump to the BVS site, click either of the two logos! |
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An affiliate of Our Lady of Victory Homes of Charity, BVS is the evolution of the social programs begun in the late 1800s by Father Nelson Henry Baker. |
Our History: A 145-Year Legacy of Caring
BVS traces its history of helping others back to a small mission established for children who were abandoned or left parentless when epidemics swept through the Western New York area. As the need to house homeless children grew, a two-story orphanage was built in 1854, and, nine years later, a boy's protectory, to house "those youngsters inclined to truancy, disobedience, or willfulness."
Although many individuals contributed to the growth and success of the institutions that were to one day become Baker Victory Services, one man stands out. Father Nelson Baker took over the administration of the debt-ridden Homes in 1882. His incredible devotion to the needy, combined with his sharp business sense, made an immediate impact. By the turn of the 20th century, the once-financially troubled institutions had tripled in size.
During this time, news of infant bones being dredged out of the Erie Canal reached Father Baker's ears. Horrified, the humble priest opened Our Lady of Victory (OLV) Infant Home in 1906 to house and care for abandoned babies. With the addition, the OLV Institutions could boast social programs geared to helping individuals from infancy to adulthood.
Before his death at the age of 95 in 1936, Father Baker added a General Hospital (in 1920) and the beautiful OLV Basilica (1926) to his long list of accomplishments.
By 1939, the government and private social welfare agencies had begun to offer the types of services pioneered by the OLV Institutions. The Protectory was closed and later demolished, while a high school was built on the site. New services have continually been added to meet the changing needs of the times, while keeping in mind Father Baker's mission-- caring for the less fortunate.
In 1999, BVS announced plans for a major expansion, which will double the amount of programs and the organization's annual operating budget. New program areas will include adult and adolescent inpatient psychiatric services, partial hospitalization services, and expanded residential treatment for children and adolescents. The expansion is expected to take 24 to 36 months to implement. The evolution of Father Baker's legacy of caring continues to this day.
Pages Last Modified: February 19, 2001
olv-webmaster@OurLadyOfVictory.org
I am sorry the pics did not show. but do look at the links..especially the church. A baby was left on the church steps..from that grew aa orphanage (that is today a home for mentally ill children).Today the services that began from the Father Bakers home remain..a home for retarted children,social service programs for children and families, a home for unwed mothers .
I will indeed look at the link! Regards. =)
We all have a special attachment to Father Baker..the city has many men in their 50's and 60's that remember him with tears....We live near the church...I worked at the hospital..my daughter is a social worker there....He is a saint..he does not need Rome to proclaim it!
I just found this ..it shows the interior I believe it may be the only (or one of 2 )Basilicas in the country I take everyone there ...mash the tour buttons at the bottom of the pages. If you want a pic of Our Lady of Victory freep mail me your addy and I will have my husband get one for you there ...they have all kinds of holy cards and stuff in their shop..
This is the more common one 
I will still send you one
Using my father's (history_matters) ping list ... let me know if you want on or off. God bless!
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