Chicago Region Continues Lourdes Tradition

During our 2026 pilgrimage to Lourdes, we gathered Sunday night at the Hotel Gallia Londres for our cherished traditional toast, begun more than a decade ago by the late Francis Gembala, KM. Frank's joyful generous spirit created a tradition that we in the Chicago Region hold near to our hearts and continue to honor. This moment has long united us in fraternity, gratitude, and celebration.

This year, however, the toast carried a deeper and more profound significance.

Following the tradition, the regional hospitaller offered the toast—lifting our hearts in gratitude not only for the pilgrimage but for a life of service lived quietly and faithfully. In a moving and unexpected moment, the toast turned toward honoring Collins Whitfield KMOb, whose extraordinary dedication to prison ministry has touched countless lives often unseen.

In recognition of his service, the Prison Ministry Ribbon and Award was presented to Collins. Fra' Tom Mulligan solemnly conferred the honor, placing the ribbon upon Collins in the presence of fellow knights and dames—transforming the evening into something far more than a celebration: a witness.

The room, already filled with the spirit of Lourdes, was a living reminder of our dedication to service. What began as a toast became a moment of recognition for a vocation lived with humility, courage, and unwavering commitment to the dignity of every human person.

In the tradition of Frank Gembala, the glass was raised—but this time, not only in celebration, but in reverence.

A reverence for service.
A reverence for hidden works of mercy.
A reverence for a brother who reminds us of what it means to live our calling fully.