Ave Maria University Welcomes Fr. Mike Schmitz as 2024 Commencement Speaker

Ave Maria University was honored to welcome Fr. Mike Schmitz as the 2024 Commencement speaker! In his Commencement Address to the 2024 Ave Maria University graduates, renowned speaker and podcaster Fr. Mike Schmitz emphasized the importance of trusting in God and embracing His desire for us to be strong. “This is your bushwhacking moment,” Fr. Schmitz encouraged the graduates. “You got to this day, and the track runs out. This is the day you enter the wilderness.”

Fr. Mike Schmitz is the director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Diocese of Duluth and serves as the Chaplain for the Newman Center at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Under his guidance, the Duluth Newman Center has thrived, focusing on sacraments, study, and knowledge of the Church. Fr. Schmitz has inspired thousands through his humble and Spirit-filled leadership, both locally and nationally. Additionally, Fr. Mike Schmitz hosts the widely popular podcasts "Bible in a Year" and "The Catechism in a Year" produced by Ascension. He also offers weekly homilies on iTunes, Hallow, and bulldogCatholic.org, and has appeared in programs for youth and young adults through Ascension Press, as well as regular short video messages on Ascension Presents.

0:00 Apology & Thank You
2:00 Bushwhacking
6:35 Back to Scripture
9:15 Is God a good father if we suffer?
10:35 Zamboni Parenting
12:30 God wants more for us.
14:00 Suffering is Necessary
14:50 Anti-fragile
17:00 Bushwhacking Grows Faith
20:00 Swimming Lessons
21:10 St. Maximilian Kolbe
23:40 Pick Your Spot
24:40 Preparation for Battle
26:00 Love just takes showing up...
29:25 Do what you have learned, and you will be blessed.

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#frmikeschmitz #AveMariaUniversity #graduationspeech #faithjourney #godsguidance

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Ave Maria University is committed to providing a liberal arts curriculum based on Catholic principles and thought. We strive to enlighten students intellectually and spiritually, to prepare them for a life well lived.