LACKAWANNA, N.Y. — Our Lady of Victory National Shrine and Basilica in Lackawanna is all decked out and ready for parishioners and neighbors this holiday season.
More than 30 volunteers decorated the basilica in the last few days as Christmas fast approaches. There are more than 100 poinsettias, dozens of trees and wreaths, and the nativity scene.
Last year all Christmas services were canceled for as a deadly blizzard created chaos across Western New York, but with a mild forecast this weekend, the church is encouraging everyone to visit.
The Rev. Monsignor David LiPuma is eager to see people in the pews again this holiday season.
"In fact, I celebrated Midnight Mass by myself in the Basilica because everything was live streamed," he said. "So we celebrated our masses, but we had no one in the basilica for the Mass.
"We are very excited. This year the weather is going to cooperate, and so all of our masses this year, in addition to live, will be live streamed for those that cannot get out. I think in the midst of everything going on in the world today, it strengthens people's faith, their hope and their love."
Christmas Eve Mass will be held at 4 p.m., 6 p.m., and midnight. There will be a special music program at 11:30 p.m. before the Midnight Mass.
On Christmas Day, Mass will be held at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., and noon.
Channel 2 will be broadcasting the Midnight Mass at 1 a.m. on Christmas.
"We just began last Friday, decorating our beautiful basilica," The Rev. LiPuma said. "We had a team of 30 volunteers who came in. There's over a 100 poinsettias, 20 trees, 14 wreaths, and beautifully decorated. Our manger scene, of course, is the focal point for us.
"People come throughout the day, every day, from 6:30 to 7. Our doors are open, and people are most welcome to come and enjoy the beauty of the basilica at this time of year."