About the Lumen Christi Award
The Lumen Christi Award is Catholic Extension Society’s highest honor given to people who radiate and reveal the light of Christ present in the communities where they serve.
New! Read about the 2025-2026 Lumen Christi Award finalists
Each year, Extension dioceses across the country submit nominations for the award. From these amazing nominees, several finalists are selected, followed by the recipient.
Award finalists receive $15,000 to support and enhance their ministry. From among these finalists the Lumen Christi Award recipient will ultimately be selected and given a $50,000, along with an additional $50,000 for the nominating diocese.
This annual award is a reminder of the positive and transformative impact of the Catholic Church in our society.
Meet the 2025-2026 award recipients:
Father Melvin Díaz Aponte and Carmen Alicia Rodríguez Echevarría | Diocese of Ponce, Puerto Rico
Father Melvin Díaz Aponte is pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Guayanilla, Puerto Rico, and Carmen Alicia Rodríguez Echevarría is principal of the parish school. The church and school were devasted from earthquakes and hurricanes that ravaged the island beginning in January 2020. Ever since, Father Díaz and Principal Rodríguez have maintained a central focus in their rebuilding efforts: the children. They believe children should have a safe space to thrive and grow in their faith and education amid the devastation this community has witnessed.