EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Retired Monsignor Arturo Bañuelas, of the El Paso Diocese, is a finalist once again for a major Catholic award.
Bañuelas was named a finalist for the 2026-27 Lumen Christi Award, according to the Catholic Extension Society.
Bañuelas was a finalist for the award last year as well.
Retired El Paso monsignor up for national award for ‘radiating’ faith
Eight finalists were picked from 46 nominees submittted by bishops from “extension dioceses.” Catholic Extension Society’s funding supports isolated and/or financially under-resourced Catholic dioceses in the United States. These areas are called “extension dioceses.”
Each finalist will receive $15,000 to support their ministry. Among the finalists, the Lumen Christi Award winner will ultimately be selected and given a $100,000 award, split between the honoree and their nominating diocese.
The winner will be announced this fall.
Bañuelas, who retired in 2022 after nearly 50 years of priesthood, was nominated for his work with the Tepeyac Institute, which has helped to produce 83,000 lay leaders in the church over the years.
“Msgr. Bañuelas’ enduring legacy is a generation of Catholics who see themselves not as helpers, but as missionaries,” the Catholic Extension Society said in its news release.
Banuelas served as pastor at St. Pius X Parish from 1988 to 2014 and then at St. Mark Parish from 2015 until his retirement.
He had a reputation for giving passionate, eloquent sermons. Among Catholics, parishioners often found his Mass and sermon to be the highlight of their week.
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