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Texas Priest Wins Lumen Christi Award for 50 Years of Ministry
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In Short: Msgr. Bañuelas, a priest from El Paso, Texas, has been awarded the Catholic Extension Society's 2026–2027 Lumen Christi Award for his 50 years of ministry.
Msgr. Bañuelas, a priest from El Paso, Texas, has been awarded the Catholic Extension Society's 2026–2027 Lumen Christi Award for his 50 years of ministry.
The award recognizes his significant contribution to the formation of approximately 80,000 lay leaders, reflecting the Second Vatican Council’s call for all members of the Church to engage in transforming the world.
Msgr. Bañuelas founded the Tepeyac Institute, a lay ministry formation center that has bolstered the Church across the El Paso Diocese.
In his statement, Msgr. Bañuelas expressed gratitude, saying, 'It’s a great honor to have received the Lumen Christi Award.' He also acknowledged the support of the Catholic Extension Society, noting, 'It has been our honor to partner with him for decades to help the Diocese of El Paso become a more vibrant and transformative faith community.
As part of the award, Msgr. Bañuelas will receive $100,000, which will be allocated to support his ongoing ministry and the Diocese of El Paso.
What's still developing
- “We regard Msgr. Bañuelas as one of the most exceptional priests in the United States whose vision is rooted in the Second Vatican Council’s powerful invitation in ‘ Lumen Gentium,’ in which all members of the Church are called to the mission of transforming the world,” Father Jack Wall, president of Catholic Extension Society, said in a statement.