At the SEEK25 youth conference, Father Mike Schmitz shared some key reflections on faith in his keynote address.
Among his remarks, the priest quoted a famous line from the Disney Channel movie “High School Musical,” a moment that quickly went viral on social media.
SEEK is an annual conference organized by the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS), an organization dedicated to evangelizing and training young people in the Catholic faith, especially in universities.
The event is aimed at college students and young adults and offers an opportunity to strengthen faith through lectures, workshops, worship, and community gatherings.
This year, the conference was held at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah from January 1-5, bringing together more than 17,000 attendees, including Catholics and people new to the faith.
On the event's second day, Father Mike Schmitz, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Diocese of Duluth, addressed the theme of suffering and perseverance in faith. In particular, he offered a reflection on the Passion and Crucifixion of Jesus, focusing his message on the Shroud of Turin.
The priest urged participants to remember Christ's sacrifice as a source of comfort and strength, especially when we face difficulties and temptations in our own lives. He also stressed the importance of looking at the cross as a reminder of Jesus' unconditional love and his painful sacrifice for the salvation of humanity.
Father Mike surprised the audience by referencing one of the most iconic songs from the hit Disney Channel film, "High School Musical."
"We've all inherited this reality that you're good, but you're broken. It's one of the reasons St. Paul said there is no temptation that comes against you that has not come unto all humanity. We all experience this. As Troy Bolton said, "We're all in this together," Father Mike said.
The quote resonated with the audience and sparked a wave of applause and enthusiasm in the auditorium.
ChurchPOP shared the video on Instagram. As of this writing, the video generated almost 47,0000 likes and over two million views!
Watch the video below:
Users have filled the post with comments, humorously and admiringly highlighting Father Mike's creative reference.
“...plus, he looks like the actor who played Troy Bolton's dad! 😂😂😂”.
“Musical theatre and Catholicism, my worlds have collided.”
“Father Mike is amazing! He has created a giant wave in Catholicism! May God bless and protect him ❤️👏.”
“I use this phrase with my high school students all the time!”