Father Baker Retold Tue, 10 Mar 2026 10:55:34 -0400 https://fatherbakerretold.buzzsprout.com en-us © 2026 Father Baker Retold yes 44f9a3b6-4770-58a7-ae2e-eb33a24966cd Jane episodic false Do you know who Venerable Nelson Baker is? And, if you do, how well do you know his story? “Father Baker Retold,” an OLV podcast, is devoted to telling some of the fascinating stories about Western New York’s saintly hero that folks may know in part or not at all. The best part? Each episode features a special guest to help bring these remarkable tales to life. 

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Jane https://storage.buzzsprout.com/w1a1h3lfyewe7ebcmx1mtbjvkab3?.jpg Father Baker Retold The Great Depression ft. WKBW-TV's Taylor Epps The Great Depression ft. WKBW-TV's Taylor Epps In this powerful episode of Father Baker Retold, we journey back to the Great Depression — a time of despair that revealed the boundless compassion of Venerable Nelson Baker. As thousands struggled to survive, Father Baker’s “City of Charity” became a beacon of hope, feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, and healing the sick. But his impact went deeper. Through his groundbreaking outreach to Buffalo’s Black community and the creation of safe homes for working women, he modeled a faith that welcomed all. This episode, which features WKBW-TV journalist Taylor Epps, celebrates Father Baker’s enduring legacy of action, inclusion, and hope when it was needed most. 

]]> In this powerful episode of Father Baker Retold, we journey back to the Great Depression — a time of despair that revealed the boundless compassion of Venerable Nelson Baker. As thousands struggled to survive, Father Baker’s “City of Charity” became a beacon of hope, feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, and healing the sick. But his impact went deeper. Through his groundbreaking outreach to Buffalo’s Black community and the creation of safe homes for working women, he modeled a faith that welcomed all. This episode, which features WKBW-TV journalist Taylor Epps, celebrates Father Baker’s enduring legacy of action, inclusion, and hope when it was needed most. 

]]> Jane Buzzsprout-18016115 Wed, 15 Oct 2025 10:00:00 -0400 551 2 11 full false The St. Patrick's Connection (feat. Tim Flanagan) The St. Patrick's Connection (feat. Tim Flanagan) Did you know that before the Basilica, St. Patrick's Church stood on the corner of South Park Ave. and Ridge Rd?

A 1916 fire caused considerable damage, most notably collapsing the steeple. Instead of completely repairing the church, Father Baker only made renovations to areas necessary for worship.

He knew he had greater plans for the space.

]]> Did you know that before the Basilica, St. Patrick's Church stood on the corner of South Park Ave. and Ridge Rd?

A 1916 fire caused considerable damage, most notably collapsing the steeple. Instead of completely repairing the church, Father Baker only made renovations to areas necessary for worship.

He knew he had greater plans for the space.

]]> Buzzsprout-16705671 Fri, 07 Mar 2025 15:00:00 -0500 737 2 10 full false Father of the Fatherless (feat. Deacon Pedro Guevara-Mann) Father of the Fatherless (feat. Deacon Pedro Guevara-Mann) On this episode of Father Baker Retold, we explore Father Baker's relationship with the boys in his care. And while it may not have been by blood, the bond he shared with them grew strong enough that many of them referred to him as "Daddy Baker." To these boys, the threat of being "sent to Father Baker's" was laughable since they knew they had it better than many on the outside world.

]]> On this episode of Father Baker Retold, we explore Father Baker's relationship with the boys in his care. And while it may not have been by blood, the bond he shared with them grew strong enough that many of them referred to him as "Daddy Baker." To these boys, the threat of being "sent to Father Baker's" was laughable since they knew they had it better than many on the outside world.

]]> Buzzsprout-15868303 Fri, 04 Oct 2024 14:00:00 -0400 738 2 9 full false The Pilgrimage (feat. C.J. Montante) The Pilgrimage (feat. C.J. Montante) We're kicking off a brand new season of Father Baker Retold with a look at Father Baker's European Pilgrimage. Learn about the trip 150 years ago that forever changed the trajectory of his life... And, in turn, the lives of thousands of Western New Yorkers.

]]> We're kicking off a brand new season of Father Baker Retold with a look at Father Baker's European Pilgrimage. Learn about the trip 150 years ago that forever changed the trajectory of his life... And, in turn, the lives of thousands of Western New Yorkers.

]]> Jane Buzzsprout-15277277 Thu, 20 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400 823 2 8 full false Padre of the Poor (feat. Mike Randall) Padre of the Poor (feat. Mike Randall) By now, you already know that Father Baker was a crusader for unwed mothers and unwanted babies, but did you know he also lent a helping hand to those struggling to make ends meet? And that was just about everyone during the Great Depression. Let's take a look at how Father Baker earned the nickname 'Padre of the Poor.'

]]> By now, you already know that Father Baker was a crusader for unwed mothers and unwanted babies, but did you know he also lent a helping hand to those struggling to make ends meet? And that was just about everyone during the Great Depression. Let's take a look at how Father Baker earned the nickname 'Padre of the Poor.'

]]> Jane Buzzsprout-12392712 Tue, 07 Mar 2023 11:00:00 -0500 781 1 7 full false Cause for Canonization (feat. Msgr. David LiPuma) Cause for Canonization (feat. Msgr. David LiPuma) We all know Father Baker is on the road to Sainthood... But where is he on that road? And, what exactly does that road look like? On this episode of Father Baker Retold, we'll give you an update on where the process stands.

]]> We all know Father Baker is on the road to Sainthood... But where is he on that road? And, what exactly does that road look like? On this episode of Father Baker Retold, we'll give you an update on where the process stands.

]]> Jane Buzzsprout-12116617 Thu, 26 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500 628 1 6 full false Building the Basilica (feat. Kevin Keenan) Building the Basilica (feat. Kevin Keenan) On this episode, we'll take a look at one of Western New York's most beloved landmarks – and the jewel of Venerable Nelson Baker’s “City of Charity” -- OLV National Shrine & Basilica.

]]> On this episode, we'll take a look at one of Western New York's most beloved landmarks – and the jewel of Venerable Nelson Baker’s “City of Charity” -- OLV National Shrine & Basilica.

]]> Jane Buzzsprout-11751429 Mon, 28 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0500 930 1 5 full false The Infant Home (feat. Lackawanna Mayor Annette Iafallo) The Infant Home (feat. Lackawanna Mayor Annette Iafallo) Perhaps Father Baker is most known for his care with babies that families could not keep, whatever the reason may be. But did you know that the OLV Infant Home was one of his toughest feats? Not everyone was a fan of what he was doing for mothers and babies alike.

]]> Perhaps Father Baker is most known for his care with babies that families could not keep, whatever the reason may be. But did you know that the OLV Infant Home was one of his toughest feats? Not everyone was a fan of what he was doing for mothers and babies alike.

]]> Jane Buzzsprout-11517059 Tue, 04 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400 701 1 4 full false The Gas Well (feat. Althea Luehrsen) The Gas Well (feat. Althea Luehrsen) It should come as no surprise that heating all of Father Baker's institutions was pricey, especially with the Western New York winters. Ignoring all criticism, Baker began a mission to dig for natural gas on the grounds.

]]> It should come as no surprise that heating all of Father Baker's institutions was pricey, especially with the Western New York winters. Ignoring all criticism, Baker began a mission to dig for natural gas on the grounds.

]]> Jane Buzzsprout-11393110 Tue, 27 Sep 2022 10:00:00 -0400 525 1 3 full false The Civil War (feat. Mickey Kearns) The Civil War (feat. Mickey Kearns) Did you know Father Baker served in the military? When his country called, Nelson answered, joining Union troops in the Civil War. He had ties to some major historical events, including Gettysburg and the New York City Draft Riots.

]]> Did you know Father Baker served in the military? When his country called, Nelson answered, joining Union troops in the Civil War. He had ties to some major historical events, including Gettysburg and the New York City Draft Riots.

]]> Jane Buzzsprout-11359560 Wed, 21 Sep 2022 10:00:00 -0400 587 1 2 full false The Early Years (feat. Eileen Buckley) The Early Years (feat. Eileen Buckley) In this episode, we'll take a look at Venerable Nelson Baker's early years, from his birth to his (late) start at the seminary.

]]> In this episode, we'll take a look at Venerable Nelson Baker's early years, from his birth to his (late) start at the seminary.

]]> Jane Buzzsprout-11359418 Wed, 21 Sep 2022 10:00:00 -0400 654 1 1 full false