BY MARK ZIMMERMANN | CATHOLIC STANDARD

Photo: During a ceremony on April 29 in the House Chambers of the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield, Washington Cardinal Wilton Gregory at center was a 2023 recipient of the Order of Lincoln, the state’s highest honor for professional achievement and public service. At left is Ronald Spears, the chancellor of The Lincoln Academy of Illinois, and at right is Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. (Photo by David Blanchette for The Lincoln Academy of Illinois)

Washington Cardinal Wilton Gregory made a special homecoming to Illinois on April 29, where the Chicago native was among six 2023 recipients of the Order of Lincoln, the state’s highest honor for professional achievement and public service.