We are one body, one spirit in Christ
Who We Are
Our History
The Buffalo Diocese is home to approximately 525,000 Catholics, spanning almost 6,500-square-miles and encompasses eight counties: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming.
On April 23, 1847, Pope Pius IX established the Diocese of Buffalo and appointed the Very Rev. John Timon as our first bishop. At the time, the diocese covered an expansive 20 counties and had just a handful of priests to serve a rapidly growing population. Today, in eight counties, there are 148 parishes, 30 Catholic elementary schools, over 300 priests, over 500 women religious; 126 permanent deacons; and a wealth of lay leaders and committed volunteers who serve God’s people every day. The social, pastoral, and ministerial works of our diocese provide spiritual support and outreach services to more than 500,000 people in need, of all faiths and backgrounds, each year.
Early Missionaries
Franciscan priest and explorer Father Hennepin visits Niagara Falls and offers Mass on the banks of the Niagara River.
Erie Canal opens
The construction of the Erie Canal from 1817-1825 brings an influx of immigrants workers, many of them Catholics.
Diocese of Buffalo created
On April 23, 1847, Pope Pius IX creates the Diocese of Buffalo consisting of the 20 western most counties of New York. In October of that year, the first bishop of Buffalo arrived: Bishop John Timon, C.M., a Vincentian priest. There were as many as 46,000 Catholics but only 16 churches, only 4 schools, and sixteen priests to administer the sacraments.
St. Joseph Cathedral constructed
Bishop John Timon traveled to Europe in 1849 to raise funds for the construction of St. Joseph Cathedral. Pope Pius IX suggested St. Joseph as the patron of the Diocese and personally donated $2,000 to the project. The cathedral was dedicated in 1855.
Diocesan newspaper founded
Bishop Stephen V. Ryan founded the diocesan newspaper, the Catholic Union and Times, forerunner of the Magnificat.
Fr. Nelson Baker and Our Lady of Victory
Father Nelson Baker begins his ministry the church and its people, especially orphaned children; constructs Our Lady of Victory Basilica.
Catholic Charities established
Bishop William Turner established Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Buffalo by uniting the Diocese's charitable institutions under a single organization.
Bishop John F. Head becomes Bishop of Buffalo
On May 8, 1945, Bishop Head was installed as the eighth bishop of Buffalo. He greatly expanded Catholic education in the region. During his tenure as many as 500 new classrooms were added, dozens of elementary schools, and as many as eleven new high schools.
Demolition of the 'New' Cathedral
Built in 1915 to serve Buffalo's growing Catholic population, St. Joseph's New Cathedral on Delaware Ave. quickly developed serious structural problems. In 1976, Bishop Edward Head determined that the cathedral must be demolished. The original St. Joseph Cathedral on Franklin St. then resumed its role as the cathedral church of the Diocese of Buffalo.Cardinal Karol Wojtyła visits Buffalo
St. John Paul II visits Buffalo when he was Cardinal.
1678
Early Missionaries
Franciscan priest and explorer Father Hennepin visits Niagara Falls and offers Mass on the banks of the Niagara River.
1825
Erie Canal opens
The construction of the Erie Canal from 1817-1825 brings an influx of immigrant workers, many of them Catholics.
1847
Diocese of Buffalo created
On April 23, 1847, Pope Pius IX creates the Diocese of Buffalo consisting of the 20 western most counties of New York.
1851-1855
St. Joseph Cathedral constructed
The construction of a Gothic Revival style church to serve as the seat of the Diocese.
1882-1936
Fr. Nelson Baker and Our Lady of Victory
Father Nelson Baker begins his ministry the church and its people, especially orphaned children; constructs Our Lady of Victory Basilica.
1976
Cardinal Karol Wojtyla visits Buffalo
St. John Paul II visits Buffalo when he was Cardinal Karol Wojtyla.
1825
The construction of the Erie Canal from 1817-1825 brings an influx of immigrant workers, many of them Catholics.
1851-1855
1678
Early Missionaries
Franciscan priest and explorer Father Hennepin visits Niagara Falls and offers Mass on the banks of the Niagara River.
1847
