On February 15, Bishop of the Diocese of La Crosse Crosse William Patrick Callahan, 71, was given the Immaculate Heart of Mary Award during a dinner hosted by the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary.

Bishop Callahan was born in Chicago Illinois and spent most of his career in the area. He attended St. Mary Minor Seminary in Crystal Lake, Illinois, and was accepted into the Novitiate of St. Bonaventure at Lake Forest. He received his bachelor's at Chicago's Loyola University before earning his Master of Divinity degree from St. Michaels College in 1976. He was ordained a year later. He has spent most of his career in Milwaukee. In 2010, Pope Benedict XVI named Bishop Callahan the Bishop of La Crosse. 

Founded in 1948, Immaculate Heart of Mary is a Seminary is located in Winona. Working with Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, Immaculate Heart of Mary provides spiritual and academic resources, with an emphasis on prayer, philosophy, and theology.  "For over a half century the programs at IHMS have been forming men of mature human quality and deep spirituality. IHMS is more than a place. It is an experience…an opportunity for men to follow Christ. As Pope Francis defines a seminary, IHMS is a place where one develops their vocation, gaining an in-depth understanding of the Gospel, Confession, the Eucharist, and prayer," Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary explains on its website.

Bishop Callahan's appointment marked the first time a Conventional Franciscan had become a bishop in the United States. His episcopal motto is "We Adore You, O Christ."

Bishop Callahan was set to receive his award in 2020 during Immaculate Heart of Mary's annual Bishops and Rector Dinner, but the event was canceled, and his award was postponed due to COVID-19. The following Bishops and Rector Dinner was held virtually.