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Buffalo, New York: Catholic Shrines & Places of Interest

The Catholic history of Buffalo:

Located on the shores of Lake Erie, Buffalo grew as an important shipping point from iron ore from Minnesota to be turned into steel here in Buffalo, wheat from the mid-west and countless other items that were than trans-shipped further east to cities along the eastern seaboard.  As a result of this growth, there was a great demand for labor and many of these laborers were immigrants from countries such as Germany, Poland, Ireland and elsewhere in Europe, the vast majority of whom were Catholic.  The diocese itself was established in 1847, being broken off from the Diocese of New York at that time.

Today, with the decline in manufacturing, the city has suffered from some of the outflow of population that have effected many “rust belt” cities, losing up to half of its population, but it has begun to re-invent itself and contains many vibrant and active parishes.

There are many magnificent churches here built by immigrants, six Catholic colleges and Christ the King Seminary.  And, of course, the popular tourist destination of Niagara Falls is just a half hour drive up the road.

Catholic places of interest in Buffalo/Niagara Falls area:

Some of these are located adjacent to the city in various suburbs, but they are all encompassed by the Diocese of Buffalo.

Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Victory

Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima

Monastery of Our Lady of the Rosary

Saint John Gualbert Roman Catholic Church and Shrine (hundreds of relics on display for veneration)

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