First Diocese of Gaylord Lumen Christi Award Finalist Named

Christina Kihn from the Diocese of Gaylord has been named a finalist for the 2025-2026 Lumen Christi Award for her mission and ongoing work to uplift the lives of those in need throughout her community. Congratulations Christina!

The Lumen Christi Award is Catholic Extension Society’s highest honor given to people who radiate and reveal the light of Christ present in the communities they serve. This year’s eight finalists were chosen from among 41 nominees submitted by bishops from Extension dioceses, recognizing the incredible work of people and institutions from their regions.

“This year’s Lumen Christi Award finalists are ordinary people doing extraordinary things in the name of their faith and on behalf of the Catholic Church,” Father Jack Wall, president of Catholic Extension Society, said. “Their stories are a reminder to us of the hope and transformation the Church brings into communities throughout America every day.”


Award finalists receive $15,000 to support and enhance their ministry. Among the finalists, the Lumen Christi Award recipient will ultimately be selected and given a $100,000 award, split between the honoree and their nominating diocese. The Award recipient will be chosen from these finalists and announced in the Fall.

Read more about Christina