2025-2026 Lumen Christi Award finalists

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 they serve.This year’s eight finalists were chosen from among 41 nominees submitted by bishops from Extension dioceses, recognizing the incredible work of people and institutions from their regions.

“This year’s Lumen Christi Award finalists are ordinary people doing extraordinary things in the name of their faith and on behalf of the Catholic Church,” Father Jack Wall, president of Catholic Extension Society, said. “Their stories are a reminder to us of the hope and transformation the Church brings into communities throughout America every day.”

Award finalists receive $15,000 to support and enhance their ministry. Among the finalists, the Lumen Christi Award recipient will ultimately be selected and given a $100,000 award, split between the honoree and their nominating diocese. The Award recipient will be chosen from these finalists and announced in the Fall.

Read about the amazing impact of this year’s Lumen Christi Award finalists in the links below: