Lackawanna, NY (WBEN) It is a massive and painstakingly arduous task for sure.
Crews are hard at work restoring the OLV National Shrine and Basilica in Lackawanna in anticipation of its 100th anniversary. Crews are working on restoring each and every pew as well as the ornate marble floors.
Monsignor David LiPuma tells WBEN it's a five year project, with the goal of making sure it is around for the next 100 years. "We started on the outside with the drainage system, we've been working on roof repair, the dome is going to need some attention," says LiPuma. He says work is now being done inside the basilica. "The pews in the basilica are African mahogany, they're extinct. But thankfully, they are able to be restored, and we were able to work with the Kittinger Company, and we have engaged them to do the pre-restoration," notes LiPuma.
LiPuma says when those sections come out, the marble cews will come in, fix the marble where it's broken. "They're going to polish and then they're going to put an epoxy down underneath the pews before the pews come back, so that the floors will be restored to their magnificence and the pews as well," adds LiPuma.
LiPuma says this is all about preparing for the basilica's 100th anniversary. "As we look forward to 2026, when we have a grand celebration for the 100th anniversary of the dedication, we want it to be as pristine as possible to be that shining gem," explains LiPuma.
LiPuma says this phase will cost about $1 million. But a fundraising effort is in progress. "We were able to get a matching grant with the National Fund for sacred places, which is endowed by the Lilly foundation," worth $250,000. LiPuma adds a centennial fundraising program is in progress.