LACKAWANNA, N.Y. — Our Lady of Victory National Shrine & Basilica has launched a save the dome campaign to raise money and restore the shell of its existing dome.
Decades of Buffalo's harsh weather has taken a toll on the Basilica's copper dome. The $3 million community campaign will aid the restoration project.
Part of the campaign includes an adopt an angel effort where community members can adopt one of the 2,000 angels located in the Basilica.
The Rev. Monsignor David LiPuma talked about what the effort means.
"With inflation and trying to get all of this done, we are asking people to consider making a generous gift that way, a sacrificial gift," he said. "But by doing so, they technically do get to adopt an angel. They get a certificate with their name on it.
"A lot of people are adopting angels for their children or grandchildren, family and friends, and honoring their memory."
Some roofing and gutter repairs have already been completed.