Msgr. Arturo Bañuelas wins Lumen Christi Award

Msgr. Arturo Bañuelas, a priest from the El Paso Diocese, has received the 2026–2027 Lumen Christi Award from the Catholic Extension Society. The Chicago-based organization announced the award in a Sept. 28 news release.

Bañuelas was selected from eight finalists and 46 total nominees. The annual honor, which began in 1978, is the highest award given by Catholic Extension to individuals or groups who serve their communities. Each year, bishops nominate one person, group, or institution from their diocese for consideration.

Over 50 years of ministry, Bañuelas has helped train approximately 80,000 lay leaders. He founded the Tepeyac Institute, a center for lay ministry formation that serves the El Paso Diocese.

In a statement, Bañuelas said the award is an honor and an affirmation of the blessings the Tepeyac Institute has brought to the community. He noted that the recognition reflects the dedication of the men and women in the diocese.