Lumen Gentium
Criteria: Lay individuals, paid or volunteer, who exemplify the spirit of Christ as explained by the documents of the Second Vatican Council. (“You are the light of the world… your light must shine in the sight of all, so that, seeing your good works, they may give the praise to your Father in heaven.” Mt. 5:14, 16) The lay person should be someone who lives his or her baptismal call in an extraordinary way through stewardship and leadership. This may include service in direct parish ministry, but can also include Christian service to the greater community. To quote from “ The Dogmatic Constitution on the Church (Lumen Gentium):” “The laity, however, are given this special vocation: to make the Church present and fruitful in those places and circumstances where it is only through them that she can become the salt of the earth.” Only one individual should be nominated per parish, and he or she must be a lay person (not a priest or deacon). The only exception to this is a married couple may be nominated. If married, the nominee/s, whether nominated individually or as a couple, must be in a valid Catholic marriage; and live a life of active faith in the Catholic Church.
Nominations Process: Each pastor will have the opportunity to select one individual each year. It is left to the discretion of the pastor to determine the process within his parish: i.e., he could make the selection, ask the pastoral council for suggestions, etc. The Pastor will send the nominee’s name to the bishop’s office so that an individualized memento can be prepared. A sacrament record must be submitted with the nomination.
Awards Ceremony: Honorees will be recognized by the bishop. Honorees receive a memento and a photo with the bishop and are recognized in the Catholic Spirit. Parishes are encouraged to provide additional recognition at a parish liturgy or event.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Lumen Gentium Award Honorees:
2023 - Mr. Jesus Vasquez & Mrs. Maria Quevedo Vasquez
2021 - Jorge Hurtado & Elaine Candelas
2019 - Dora Treviño, O. P.
2017 - Josie Spencer
2015 - Jose and Hermelinda Gonzales
2012 - Jose "Joe" Conrado Sanchez
2011 - Natalie Rose Rodriguez
2010 - John A. Mendoza
2009 - Yolanda Ramirez
2008 - Gloria Ramirez
2006 - Janie Sustaita