Catholic Extension Society is now accepting nominations for the 47th year of our Lumen Christi Award, which is Latin for “Light of Christ.”  This annual award has been presented to a woman religious, priest or lay person who has demonstrated how the power of faith can transform lives and communities.  These recipients have devoted their lives to serving the poor in the most under-resourced dioceses in the United States and to fostering Catholic communities that build faith, inspire hope and ignite change.

The Lumen Christi Award is accompanied by a $50,000 award, with the honoree and nominating diocese each receiving $25,000 to enhance a specific area of his or her ministry. Prior to awarding the funding, Catholic Extension Society will discuss and agree upon the use of the funding with both the recipient and the recipient’s diocese.

Submit a nomination today, and your diocese will benefit just by recognizing and celebrating an individual or group of individuals who build faith, inspire hope and ignite change in your local community.  Your diocese’s nominee will automatically receive $1,000 in support of his or her ministry.  If the nominee is selected as a finalist, $10,000 will be awarded.

Nomination Guidelines, Requirements & FAQs

To view nomination guidelines, requirements and frequently asked questions, click here.

Required forms for a nomination

Letters of Recommendation

  • One letter is required from the bishop of the nominating diocese.
  • 1-2 Testimonials may be submitted, written by an individual who has been impacted by the work and ministry of your nominee (if available).
  • Address letters to “Lumen Christi Award Judge.”

Photos

  • One picture is required of the nominee, although up to five total photos may be submitted.
  • Preferred formats for photos are JPG and PNG with high resolution (1200 x 900 pixels or greater).

News Articles (if available)

  • If the nominee has been featured in any news articles, please include a link or PDF.

Optional: Video of nominee

  • One one-minute video of the nominee or someone who can speak on their behalf and about their ministry, the places and people they work with may be submitted.
  • Send videos to socialmedia@catholicextension.org.
  • Videos are accepted in MP4 format and as a link.

All nominations must be received by March 1, 2024.

How to submit a 2024-25 Lumen Christi Award Nomination

Click here to access the online nomination form for the 2024-25 Lumen Christi Award, due by Friday, March 1, 2024.

Questions?

Check out the list of Frequently Asked Questions.

Contact:
Grace Leon
Manager of Mission, Programs and Grants
(312) 795-5127