American Priest Continues on the Road to Sainthood

Fr. Nelson Baker of the Diocese of Buffalo, NY who died in 1936 has been declared "Venerable" by Pope Benedict the same day Pope John Paul II's beatification was announced. 

EWTN News Reports the following:

Pope Benedict officially recognized the heroic virtues of 20th century American priest Fr. Nelson Baker, which moves the beloved champion for the poor further along in the process towards sainthood.

Fr. Baker – who was born in Buffalo, New York in 1842 – lived to be 95 years old and is heralded for building what's been called a “city of charity” in Lackawana, New York. By the time of his death in 1936, his initiatives for the poor included a minor basilica, an infant home, a home for unwed mothers, a boys' orphanage, a hospital, a nurses' home, and an elementary and high school.

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