Bishop Richard J. Malone is pleased to announce that Rev. Msgr. David LiPuma will be the new Pastor of Our Lady of Victory Basilica and President of Our Lady of Victory (OLV) Institutions beginning June 1, 2019. Following the news of the current pastor Msgr. Paul J.E. Burkard's retirement, a process was initiated to identify his successor. Burkard served at OLV for the past 12 years, advancing the ministry of the Founder, the Venerable Nelson Baker.

Msgr. LiPuma is a Depew native and was ordained to the priesthood in 1987 by the late Bishop Edward Head. He served as parochial vicar at St. Leo the Great in Amherst, and later at St. Philip the Apostle in Cheektowaga. In 1993, he was named acting director of the Office of Worship in the Diocese of Buffalo, a post he held until Bishop Henry J. Mansell appointed him as his priest secretary. Msgr. LiPuma continued in that role under former Bishop Edward Kmiec, who retired in 2012 and under Bishop Richard Malone until 2013. In 2013, Msgr. LiPuma was named pastor of St. Peter's in Lewiston.

"With Fr. David's vast experience and background, we are exceedingly blessed to have him lead the 'City of Charity.' He has a wealth of knowledge about the organization having served as a member of the Homes of Charity's Board of Directors," Malone said.

A graduate of Wadhams Hall Seminary College in Ogdensburg, New York, Msgr. LiPuma went on to study in Rome, Italy, at the Pontifical North American College where he received his theology degree from the Gregorian University in Rome. OLV Institutions include: OLV Homes of Charity, Baker Victory Services, and Our Lady of Victory Basilica Parish and Elementary School.