Father Mike Schmitz, renowned for his engaging approach to Catholic teachings, has struck a chord with his latest viral sensation, “The Bible in 10 Minutes”. Released on July 9 by Ascension and Coronation Media, the video swiftly captivated viewers, amassing an impressive 358,000 views within its first 24 hours alone.
In the video, Schmitz, chaplain at the University of Minnesota-Duluth and director of youth ministry for the Diocese of Duluth, addresses the inherent complexity of the Bible while emphasizing its cohesive narrative of divine salvation. “The Bible is amazing, but sometimes confusing and hard to read,” Schmitz admits, noting its compilation over millennia in various literary styles, all under the guidance of the Catholic Church.
Central to Schmitz’s presentation is the overarching story of God’s plan for humanity’s redemption, which he succinctly outlines in under 10 minutes. Beginning with Adam and Eve’s creation, the video employs vivid animations to traverse key biblical events such as Moses‘ Exodus from Egypt, David‘s reign over Israel, and culminating in the passion of Jesus Christ.
Ascension Press reports that “The Bible in 10 Minutes” has shattered Schmitz’s previous viewership records, doubling his previous high of 160,000 views in a day for his 2023 review of “Sound of Freedom”. As of July 11, just two days post-release, the video has soared to over 598,000 views and garnered 11,000 likes.
Schmitz’s influence extends beyond YouTube, evidenced by his wildly popular “The Bible in a Year” podcast, which has garnered a staggering 660 million downloads by 2023. Comprising 365 episodes, the podcast provides listeners with insightful commentary, prayer, and reflections as Schmitz guides them through the entire Bible.
The priest’s commitment to making biblical teachings accessible has earned him a devoted following among Catholics worldwide, bolstered by his “Ascension Presents” YouTube series launched in 2015. His recent ventures into podcasting, including “Bible in a Year” and “Catechism in a Year”, which began airing on EWTN Radio starting Jan. 15, further solidify his status as a leading voice in contemporary Catholic media.
With each endeavor, Father Mike Schmitz continues to fulfill his mission of illuminating the scriptures and nurturing spiritual connections, inviting audiences to embark on a transformative journey through faith and understanding.