A very nice profile of the pastor of the Our Lady of Victory Shrine in Buffalo, a tireless worker for children, and promoter of the canonization cause of the Shrine’s founder, Father Baker:

"I think God is using me in another way for his people," Wurtz said. "Yes I have sickness, but I’m not afraid to say I have cancer. Because of what I’m going through, I may bring some people courage and strength to face it in their own lives."

Sometimes, his voice is weak and homilies are short. Other times, Wurtz displays renewed physical strength and endurance. "I said a strong Mass yesterday (Sunday)," Wurtz said earlier this month. "My voice was strong and I felt good."

Wurtz still has one goal.

"I want to see Father Baker beatified," he said, and then added: "wait a minute. I guess I should say I want to die in a state of grace, so I have two goals. But I have never lost faith that Father Baker will be beatified (a major step towards sainthood)."

Wurtz says Mass every morning he can. He said there is something mystical about "standing in the same pulpit as Father Baker, especially at Christmas. When you look at that (manger) and think what Father Baker did for these kids…" his voice trails off.

OLV website