Sister Mary Lisa Renfer, medical director of St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic, a ministry of the Diocese of Knoxville, is the recipient of the 2024-2025 Lumen Christi Award.
I wrote about Sister Mary in August when it was announced by Catholic Extension Society that she was one of seven finalists for the Lumen Christi Award, Catholic Extension Society’s highest honor presented annually to people who radiate and reveal the light of Christ present in the communities where they serve.
Sister Mary Lisa will receive $50,000 to support her work of providing health care and hope to underserved communities in rural eastern Tennessee.
As the medical director of St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic, she and her team of staff and volunteers provide primary care to improve the lives of the medically uninsured. Driven by her faith and compassion, Sister Mary Lisa said the clinic’s goal “is to bring the love of Christ to them so that they know they have dignity and that they have worth.”
Last year, the free clinic performed nearly 1,500 patient visits and covered 11,000 miles. They recently added a new clinic site, bringing the total number up to 10. A majority of the patients served are not Catholic.
Through her efforts, the help of volunteers, and the support of healthcare professionals, Sister Mary Lisa Renfer has been able to provide exceptional medical care and compassion to many people in the community. During her time as medical director, the number of patients has nearly doubled. As needs in the area are increasing, they are expanding their services and welcoming more patients, averaging one new patient per day.
Catholic Extension Society has long supported the Diocese of Knoxville, especially helping rural communities and ministries to vulnerable populations of the diocese.
To read more about Sister Mary Lisa Renfer and the Lumen Christi Award, visit here.
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