Page 10 - LOTN Autumn Issue 54 2023

DIOCESE

loved the early morning beats because it also debunked the languages and sang to the same tune. It was BEAUTIFUL! One
myth that being a Catholic and a Christian keeps you in a sort thought was ever present in my mind: The Church is ONE,
of prison where you are never allowed any form of fun. Sin regardless of race, ethnicity, culture, language, nationality, or
doesn’t equate to fun and fun does not equate to sin. We are to any other differences we may have.
be joyful and happy people. Will I go to the next WYD? YES, I WILL (God willing).
One thing stood out for me throughout this WYD trip. I was My advice to every young Catholic out there is to look
just so amazed at how the body of Christ was united at Masses forward to Rome 2025 and South Korea 2027 with an open
and at all the programmes and events, irrespective of the fact heart and I can assure you that God will meet you there, and
that there were so many language barriers. Even if the person you will have an encounter with him that would transform
standing or sitting next to you didn’t understand you, when it your life for good.
came to Mass we all responded and participated in our own

For he's a jolly

good fellow!

eacon Tony Schmitz, deacon of St Mary's Cathedral,
Aberdeen and secretary to Bishop Hugh Gilbert
DOSB was admitted as a fellow of Maryvale Institute
International College in Birmingham. The college is a
leader in the provision of lifelong learning, for all, in
Catholic evangelisation, catechesis, theology, philosophy
and religious education.
In his citation, Deacon Dr Harry Schnitker, Director of
the Research Centre for Pastoral Theology at Maryvale,
spoke of Deacon Tony's extraordinary generosity and the
literally life-transforming influence that he has had on so
many people: "For well over a decade, he was the quiet
but forceful heart of the diaconal formation programme in
Scotland, covering all eight dioceses."
Deacon Harry added that, "During Tony's long tenure,
there has been a quiet flowering of the diaconate in the
country, and his own role in this cannot be overstated."
Deacon Harry also mentioned Tony's long and
distinguished career in publishing and his leading role in
the Littleway Healing Ministry.
Finally, on presenting Deacon Tony as a fellow to the
Maryvale community, Deacon Harry disclosed that a
Maryvale fellow usually combines two traits: a deep
faithfulness to the teachings of the Church and a profound Deacon Tony Schmitz, Fellow of Maryvale Institute
erudition and that Deacon Tony qualified on both counts.

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