Morgan, MN - The word "no" rarely exists in Mary Larsen’s vocabulary. For 30 years, the Morgan, MN resident, has said "yes" to anyone who is hungry, sick or just simply in need. As a result, her We Care project - which she operates out of her four-stall garage - provides nearly 20,000 pounds of food to more than 150 families each month.

"We never say ‘no’ to anyone," Mrs. Larsen said. "If they are hungry, we don’t care what color they are, or what religion, it makes no difference.

Mrs. Larsen, 76, is the 2003 recipient of the Lumen Christi Award (Light of Christ in Latin), a national award presented by The Catholic Church Extension Society for outstanding missionary work in America. Catholic Extension, headquartered in Chicago, is the leading supporter of missionary work in poor and remote parts of the United States. Most Rev. William R. Houck, president of Catholic Extension, will present the award to Mrs. Larsen on September 27 at her home parish, the Church of St. Michael in Morgan. Catholic Extension will further honor Mrs. Larsen with a gift of $10,000 and the Diocese of New Ulm with $25,000. Mary will also be featured in the September issue of EXTENSION Magazine.

"Mary Larsen is a shining example of what it means to live the faith," Bishop Houck said. "For 30 years she has put others before herself. This is not a job she was elected to do, nor is it one for which she draws a paycheck. Mary provides this invaluable service in her community simply because she cares. She is truly deserving of the Lumen Christi Award."

Bishop John C. Nienstedt nominated Mary for this year’s Lumen Christi Award. "Mary is truly a reflection of the Light of Christ in our midst. Her faithful witness to Christ’s presence in the poor, gives glory to God. Mary’s worthy efforts have brought this added honor to her and to this diocese. I congratulate Mary, I thank her and the Catholic Church Extension Society, and I pray that God will continue to bless evangelization efforts in mission dioceses throughout the United States," he said.

The We Care Project actually began more than 40 years ago when Mrs. Larsen and her family provided food and necessities for the migrant workers on her parents’ farm. A widow, mother of 11 and grandmother of 37, Mrs. Larsen continues the tradition of generosity with the help of her son, Joe, her sibling, Sister Magdalen Schwab, O.S.B., and Sister Gladys Meindl, O.S.F. through grants and donations, We Care serves more than 9,000 individuals in a 13-county radius. It provides for the sick, victims of disasters, and more recently, has been called on by families hit by the current economic downturn. "Some days it tears your heart out to see such need," says Mrs. Larsen, who plans to run We Care for as long as she is able. "I like to keep active in life," she adds.

This year marks the 26th annual Lumen Christi award given by Catholic Extension. Nominations, made by U.S. bishops, are judged by a prestigious panel. This year’s panel included: Most Rev. Wilton D. Gregory, Bishop of Belleville and President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops; "7th Heaven" actress Catherine Hicks; radio legend Wally Phillips; Most Rev. Joseph Howze, retired Bishop of Biloxi, MS; and J. Roberto Gutierrez, vice president of Public Affairs and Communication at the University of Notre Dame and founder of Hispanic Telecommunications Network.

For nearly a century, Catholic Extension, through the generosity of tens of thousands of Catholics nationwide, has helped poor parishes and missions pay for church construction, religious education, outreach ministries, salaries, and operating expenses.

In addition, Catholic extension helps seminarians throughout the United States pay for their education. Catholic Extension has become the leading supporter of missionary work in America, distributing more than $14 million last year.

To learn more about Catholic Extension, call 888-47-FAITH (888-473-2484) or visit www.catholic-extension.org.