A former Peoria priest breaks the glass ceiling by becoming the first member of the Conventual Order of Franciscans to be elevated to the level of Bishop. Some members of the Holy Family Catholic Church in Peoria say their parish played a key role in Bishop William Callahan's promotion.

Almost every pew at Holy Family Catholic Church in Peoria was filled. Church members were there to see the former Priest turned Bishop that they've heard so much about.

"We were not members of the parish when he was here as a priest.
But, we know that his legacy lives on today here in this church," Member Lisa Roder says.

Bishop William Callahan played the role of priest for Holy Family Catholic church from 1984 to 1994. His lengthy tenure in Peoria makes some parishioners feel they've helped him in his journey to Bishop.

"Father Bill has always taught that you have to stay strong in your church, in your community, to make it work. And he saw that and he took it further and further and it's just so unbelievably great to see we were a part of that," Member Peggy Pauli says.

Bishop Callahan hopes his elevation to Bishop will open doors for those who come after him.

"It's kind of like being the guy who kind of carries the banner for hopefully a group who will follow after me," Callahan says.

"He was a major influence in my life, as to why I became a priest and a Conventual Franciscan and followed in his footsteps," FatherMichael Glastetter of Holy Family Church says.

For those who want travel down the same path of Bishop William Callahan, they may have some pretty big shoes to fill.

"He's extraordinary; he's just a gifted holy generous man," Peoria Bishop Daniel Jenky said.

Pope Benedict the 16th named the Reverend William Callahan as the new Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee on October 30th.