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.”

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.

#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.

[monicaswift-hjerrild]

I say this all the time, but honestly, Father Mike is God's personal cheerleader.

[MarilynRussell-mkgl]

Best commencement speech ever. What a great message. I was there. My grandson graduated and is entering seminary. Thank you Fr. Mike. I’ve shared this with many friends.

[AveMariaUniversityFL]

We were so honored to have Fr. Mike Schmitz from Bible in a Year and Catechism in a Year here for graduation. So inspiring and feeling ready to go into the wilderness!

[maryannlacey]

I’m always in awe of how Father Mike ties in everything so perfectly when there seems to be no connection. I never tire of listening to him and learning from him. ♥️🙏🏽

[annenovak]

I’m 63 years old and chose motherhood and the workforce over college, this speech has inspired me! Thank you father Mike. You are such a blessing to this new generation. A true voice of faith and hope. You are certainly bush whacking through the desert before the promised land, leading us home❤

[juliathomas]

I'm way past college graduation yet this speech was just what I needed in my life right now. I realize now why God is challenging me... and I must have courage. Thank you Oh Lord for the inspiring words through Fr. Mike. Thank you Ave Maria for choosing Fr. Mike.

[KnowLoveServeHim]

BEST commencement speech!! And I have listened to a bunch now! I have been married for almost 17 years, and am a mother of 8 kids. I needed to hear this! Thank you, Fr. Mike and thank you Ave Maria for inviting him to give this speech!

[juanitafano]

Fr Mike, I am your avid listener. In my 69 years, i just realized truly how good the Father is leaving me in wilderness to do bushwacking. Your speech made me see clearly what a tremendous beyond words how good is our Father. You are his instrument to make me see that. Thank you.

[kristinwannemuehler]

Easily the best commencement speech of them all in 2024.

[darmat]

Fr Mike deserves an honorary doctorate.

[kathywiens]

Another Excellent Catholic commencement speech. All praise and glory to God!🙏🙌🙏💝

[Dentistry-hv]

Best speech Ever. May Gid bless u more❤️🌸

[KathleenDimoff]

Fr. Mike is a gifted speaker. What a great commencement speech.

[carolosborn]

Father Mike, you are a blessing to all of us. I am 50 years beyond my college graduation and I needed to hear your works. Thank you.

[priscillaconlon]

As I listen to this commencement speech, my mom has just been admitted to Hospice at Home care and I am left with hope that after she goes home to God, I will able to attend Ave Maria University to work toward a Masters in Theology.

[SJFF]

Bushwhacking - my new favorite word! In you Lord, I put my trust Psalm 25:1

[carlkessler]

Best commencement ever. Memorable and practical.

[monicageller]

Father Mike, that was outstanding. The bit about your mom’s cooking really touched my heart to the point of tears. Thank you for such a beautiful reminder that God wants more for us than we want for ourselves and hardship only makes us more resilient and allows us to grow closer to our heavenly Father

[mikebolognese]

Who talks as fast as this great priest? No one. Only the folks who talk at the end of car commercials. Love him.

[arcy]

As always Father was awesome! He is going to be in demand next graduation season!!!