El Paso, Texas – The Catholic Extension Society presented Monsignor Arturo Bañuelas with its highest honor, the Lumen Christi award, on Wednesday at St. Mark Catholic Church. The award celebrates a lifetime of faithful service to the community, and Monsignor Bañuelas was selected from eight finalists for his work with the Tepeyac Institute.
Five decades of lay‑leader formation
Since founding the Tepeyac Institute in 1988, Monsignor Bañuelas has overseen a bilingual (English‑Spanish) formation center that has trained more than 80,000 lay leaders. He described the institute as “one of the biggest in the country,” noting that it now offers scholarships so that more people can participate in its programs.
Beyond the institute: scholarly and border‑region initiatives
In 1989 Monsignor Bañuelas co‑founded the Academy of Catholic Hispanic Theologians of the United States, a group dedicated to research and theological reflection. He also serves as the founding chair of the Hope and Border Institute, an organization that promotes dignity, justice, and pastoral care for families living along the U.S.–Mexico border.
A $100,000 award put to local use
The Lumen Christi award includes a $100,000 grant. Monsignor Bañuelas said the funds will be divided between the Tepeyac Institute and the Diocese of El Paso, further expanding educational opportunities and outreach programs.
Recognition from the diocese and parishioners
Bishop Mark Seitz, along with hundreds of parishioners and friends, attended the ceremony. In his remarks, Monsignor Bañuelas urged fellow believers to let “the light of the nations” guide them in serving the less fortunate, emphasizing the Christian call to transform the world through love and service.
Continued pastoral ministry
After retiring from full‑time parish leadership in 2022, Monsbyter Bañuelas continues to celebrate Mass at roughly ten parishes throughout the Diocese of El Paso while remaining an active teacher at the Tepeyac Institute. He reflected on his vocation, saying, “There’s never been a day I didn’t want to be a priest. I’m going to keep doing it until the Lord says, ‘Come home.’”
Impact on the El Paso community
The award highlights the vital role of faith‑based leadership in strengthening families and neighborhoods across the border region. By equipping lay leaders with theological training and practical skills, the Tepeyac Institute helps churches address local challenges such as poverty, immigration concerns, and youth development.
Local residents expressed gratitude for Monsignor Bañuelas’s lifelong dedication. “His work has touched countless families,” said longtime parishioner Maria González. “The scholarships and the training programs give our children hope and a path forward.”
As El Paso continues to grow as a cultural and economic hub on the border, the recognition of Monsignor Bañuelas underscores the importance of Christian service in fostering strong, resilient communities.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
