Father Gary Graf: Chicago Pastor & Voice for Justice for immigrants

936 miles for immigrant families

Chicago pastor Father Gary Graf reflects on the roots, the highlights, and the meaning of his walk from Pope Leo's boyhood home to the Statue of Liberty. Ever since his ordination in 1984, Father Gary Graf has been connected to the immigrant community in deep and lasting ways. He spent five years of his early priesthood at the Archdiocese's mission in Mexico and has worked largely among immigrants in the parishes he has served. As Operation Midway Blitz gripped Chicagoland, as fear took hold and children were separated from their parents, he felt compelled to do something, deciding on a cross-country pilgrimage to the Statue of Liberty to highlight the suffering of immigrant families. He walked 20 miles a day for almost two months, documenting his trip on social media. “Immigrants are not strangers," says Graf, "but rather our brothers, sisters, sons and daughters.”

Reserve early. Reservations close Tuesday, December 1st, 2026 @ 5 pm

The Speaker Luncheon Price per Ticket is as follows:

$57 for Members**

$67 for Non-Members**

$670 - Purchase of One Table (Seating for 10 People)**

(In order to help First Friday cover increasing expenses, a processing fee will be added to the price of your ticket(s) at checkout. When checking out, you will be asked the following (required) questions:

Any dietary requirements

A group or person you wish to sit with (all attendees are assigned a seat)

A request for a hearing assistance kit

More on Fr. Graf

Ordained in 1984, Father Graf has served in various parishes, including as pastor of the mostly Hispanic Our Lady of the Heights Catholic Church in Chicago Heights. He is a longtime member of Priests for Justice for Immigrants and has also been active in Catholic social justice initiatives, such as fasting campaigns in support of DACA protections. Before his 2025 journey, he spent five years as a priest in Mexico! LUNCHEON LOCATION:

This luncheon will be held at The Union League Club - Crystal Room on the 7th floor at 65 West Jackson Blvd (1/2 block east of Clark). Upon entering the ULC, coat check is mandatory on the first floor (no charge) and you will be directed to the check-in location. THE UNION LEAGUE CLUB DRESS CODE:

The Union League Club Dress Code is Smart Casual, a relaxed, well-dressed look which may include jeans with no visible rips or tears, denim, and collared shirts. Athletic wear, tennis shoes, t-shirts or hats are not permitted. PARKING AT THE UNION LEAGUE CLUB:

Valet Parking is available at Union League's Federal Street Entrance (Union League Club's parking fee will apply; no discount to attendees). Discounted parking as low as $10 for All First Friday Club Attendees is available through the iParkit Phone App in the South Loop Self Park, 318 S. Federal St, Chicago (self parking in the garage on the northwest corner of Federal and Van Buren). For information on this special offer, click the following link: IPARKIT OPTION

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION:

The Club is just two blocks from the LaSalle Street Metra Station, six blocks from Union Metra Station and only blocks from every EL Station.

Where: The Union League Club of Chicago