Now more than ever people are being inspired by the example and call of Pope Francis to serve, and we’re so honored to recognize these people and share their stories.
(PRWEB) May 16, 2014
As it has done annually for more than three decades, Catholic Extension announced the 2014 finalists for the Lumen Christi Award (“Light of Christ”). The national award is Catholic Extension’s highest honor and recognizes those who have devoted their lives to serving the poor and to fostering Catholic communities that build faith, inspire hope and ignite change, often in the country’s poorest areas.
The award includes a $50,000 grant ($25,000 for the honoree and $25,000 for the nominating diocese) and is presented to a priest, woman religious, lay person or group of people who have demonstrated how the power of faith can transform lives and society. Nine finalists have been chosen from a total of 38 nominees representing 22 states and three U.S. territories.
This year’s finalists exemplify a diverse group who include a Navy chaplain, Franciscan Friars, women religious, deacons and lay people. The complete list of finalists is as follows:
- Diocese of Alexandria, Servant House
- Diocese of Baker, Deacon Gustavo Ruiz
- Diocese of Brownsville, Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
- Diocese of Fairbanks, Franciscan Friars of the Fairbanks Diocese
- Diocese of Lubbock, Deacon Randy Canale
- Archdiocese of San Antonio, Gloria Coronado
- Archdiocese of Santa Fe, Jo Ann and Fred Hudson
- Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, Sr. Rita Schonhoff
- Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, Fr. Daniel Mode
“We are excited that in our 37th year we have so many wonderful examples of the faithful sharing the light of Christ and making a tremendous impact on people’s lives throughout the U.S.,” said Catholic Extension President Rev. John J. Wall. “Now more than ever people are being inspired by the example and call of Pope Francis to serve, and we’re so honored to recognize these people and share their stories,” he added.
Initial voting began in early April, with both online voting and via a judges’ panel to select the finalists. Starting April 29 online voting will open on the Catholic Extension Facebook page and will continue through May 19. Finalists will be announced in early August. For more information on Catholic Extension, and to place your vote and learn more about the finalists, visit http://www.catholicextension.org.
About Catholic Extension:
Catholic Extension uniquely contributes to the growth and vibrancy of the Church in the United States by strategically investing in poor mission dioceses. Based in Chicago, this national organization provides funding to dioceses and parishes to support programs and services that invest in people, their ministries and their churches. Since 1905, Catholic Extension has distributed more than $500 million to communities across America. For more information visit http://www.catholicextension.org.