Building a Basilica

Aired 2013-14. Building a Basilica “Among the churches of America, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Victory is, for many reasons, to be counted as one of the greatest. This sanctuary is truly a masterpiece, in the nobility of its lines, in the splendor of its marbles, in its massive solidarity, and in its artistic finish..."

-Quoted from the Apostolic Decree by Pope Pius X

When asked to recall Father Nelson Baker, many describe a man who was a protector of people and a strong advocate for the rights of the disadvantaged. Others refer to him as a visionary and a shrewd businessman who was able to turn desperate situations around. All remember him as a spiritual leader of incredible faith with a steadfast devotion to the Blessed Mother as Our Lady of Victory.

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In 1921, at the age of 79, Msgr. Nelson Baker contacted Architect Emile Uhlrich with plans to build a church dedicated to the Blessed Mother, in Lackawanna, NY.  It was to be a place of wondrous beauty and radiating hope to all who enter its doors.

Emile Uhlrich, born an orphan in Epinal, France, was educated at the Ecole Fenelon, the Lycee St. Nicholas, and the Ecole des Beaux Arts. At age 18 Emile moved to the United States and in 1900 was naturalized. He soon became a successful architect specializing in church design in Cleveland, Ohio.

Within five years, the priest and the architect built a church that was a true architectural wonder. Building costs came to $3.2 million, which was paid for before church doors open in 1926.

Iron from steel giant Bethlehem Steel and marble from Georgian Marble company would house hundreds of paintings, sculptures, mosaics and stained glass from world renown artists.

Today Our Lady of Victory Basilica carries the title of National Shrine and Minor Basilica. It is considered to be Emile Uhlrich’s pinnacle work.

And for the priest who started it all, Msgr. Nelson Baker, he has been named Servant of God the first step toward sainthood.

“Building a Basilica” produced by Daybreak TV Productions, Catholic Diocese of Buffalo, tells the story of this national shrine through vast archive materials including drawings and hundreds of letters from Fr. Baker, Emile Ulhrich,  builders, artists and contractors.

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Women & Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America

Aired 2013-14.  

“Women & Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America,” is a one-hour documentary narrated by noted NPR and ABC news analyst Cokie Roberts, and featuring interviews with historians, journalists and sister. This film brings to life the inspiring, virtually untold, 300-year story of Catholic women religious who have greatly and at times sacrificially contributed to the American landscape. It examines the courage (mostly quiet but at times outspoken), entrepreneurial spirit, and indomitable faith exercised by these women during many dramatic moments in U.S. history. The film is an outgrowth of the highly successful touring exhibit (2009 - 2012) of the same title, sponsored by the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR), the film’s executive producer.

The documentary has been selected for NBC’s “Horizons of the Spirit” series in partnership with the Interfaith Broadcasting Commission.

Local viewers’ calls, emails or letters to their local stations increase the possibilities of a station airing this program.

https://vimeo.com/72112238

A Killer in the Dark: Combating Malaria

Aired 2011-12 and 2013-14 on NBC. Presented by the National Council of Churches USA; Produced by United Methodist Communications As a young mother tucks her children into bed in West Africa, the night brings ominous uncertainty. She may not know the cause, but her children risk falling ill and dying. Across the ocean, the best scientific minds labor to find an answer to what she calls, “the killer in the dark”; others know it as the mosquito-borne disease called malaria.

NCIS star Pauley Perrette hosts this compelling documentary about the quest of the scientific and faith communities to combat this preventable and treatable disease. Although solutions are sought in laboratories around the world, there is power in the pews as people of faith mount a intricate campaign against the mosquito. How are these faithful followers helping to drive-down the number of malaria-related deaths and what is the lasting impact of their efforts?

Watch the compelling story unfold in An Extraordinary Effort to Catch a Killer in the Dark.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9sLQJbos3w

A Journey of Spirit

Aired 2012-13 on NBC. A Journey of Spirit is a wonderfully vibrant and moving film that makes us laugh, cry and sing! This inspirational story of the pre-eminent Jewish singer/songwriter Debbie Friedman, offers insights into the woman and her music, and the influence of her music across boundaries of religion, culture, age and gender. In the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, a quiet revolution began in the world of liberal American Judaism. At the heart of the revolution was singer/songwriter Debbie Friedman. Influenced by American folk music, Friedman began writing and performing her own folk songs, incorporating Jewish themes and liturgy. Her music quickly caught on with young people all over the United States, and by 1972 she had released her first album "Sing Unto God."  Although her popular reception was immeasurable, her reception by the Reform establishment was less warm. Cantors felt threatened. They feared that the genre known as "Debbie Friedman" would infiltrate the synagogue and that would be the end of nusach, or traditional Jewish modes.

Combining English and Hebrew and speaking in an inclusive, egalitarian language, Debbie Friedman has confronted traditionalists, combated gender roles and managed to transform Jewish sacred music so that it is accessible to a large and diverse audience. Through Debbie Friedman’s story, Ann Coppel explores the transformation of liberal Jewish worship over the past 30 years, weaving in interviews with live concert footage that will make anyone who’s ever set foot in summer camp, tap their feet and sing along.

A Journey of Spirit lets us experience the positive influence that one determined woman can have on the spiritual lives of Jews, as well as the infinite power of music to generate community, spirituality, and healing. Ann Coppel’s thought-provoking documentary educates and challenges viewers of all denominations.

View the trailer:

Waging Peace: Muslim and Christian Alternatives

Aired 2011-12 on ABC and both 2012-13 and 2013-14 on NBC. Produced by Third Way Media, National Council of Churches USA and InnerAttainment TV The rise of Islamic fundamentalism and the associated use of terrorism as a weapon of choice have reshaped how many people view Islam generally and their Muslim neighbors in particular.  Meanwhile, the memory of the Christian cross as a battle symbol invokes fear in Muslim extremists and moderates alike.  Adherents of these two religions, both springing from the same birthplace, are experiencing a renewed polarization.

Yet both groups contain a long history of emphasizing peace, tolerance and understanding. These threads of peace get drowned out in the cacophony of images and sounds offered by the media.  In this program, we were reminded of the role of peace in both camps.  We met Christians and Muslims, sometimes working together, sometimes separately, who had dedicated their lives to keeping alive the flame of peace that burns in both faiths.'

Learn More About this Program: www.WagingPeaceAlternatives.com.

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-156E59BZk