Former Bishop ‘Light of Valley’
By JOSELYN KINGArticle Photos
WHEELING - Bishop Emeritus Bernard W. Schmitt has a view of what the world might be like if everyone followed the Ten Commandments.
"We would have no abandoned children ... split families ... or people who lie to each other," he said. "We would have lower taxes. There would be no need for police because there would be no crime. We wouldn't need most social services. We would pay only 10 percent of the taxes we pay now."
Schmitt, who headed the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, was honored with the Dr. Lee Jones "Patron of Youth Award" during the second annual Wheeling YMCA Light of the Valley award luncheon Wednesday. The event took place at Wheeling Park's White Palace, and proceeds benefited the Wheeling YMCA.
The award is named for Jones, a former board member for the YMCA who saw the facility as a place for "all of God's children." The first recipient was G. Randolph "Randy" Worls of the Oglebay Foundation.
The award is intended to honor those who have worked to improve the quality of life for children and families in the community.
Schmitt received the award on a special date - Aug. 17 - the day of the Feast of St. Bernard, and three days after his 80th birthday.
"I do love kids and young people," Schmitt told the more than 400 who attended the luncheon. "I see hope in them, and challenges.
"The one thing they need is better examples in their lives," he continued. "They also need more help, and the YMCA has done that."
Schmitt recalled his own life as a youngster growing up in Warwood, where he was the fourth of seven sons born to Lawrence and Eulalia Schmitt.
He graduated from Wheeling Central Catholic High School. Seeking to become a priest, he attended St. Charles College in Catonsville, Md., and St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore.
Later, he obtained a degree in guidance and counseling from Ohio University.
"Faith changed my life completely," Schmitt said. "It gave me a purpose in life, and it is what would make me feel successful, happy and worthwhile. ... It gave me a moral guide and provided the anchor in my life. I knew what was right. I may not have always done the right thing, but at least I had a guide."
At the conclusion of the luncheon, a check for $47,000 from the "Friends and Supporters of the Wheeling YMCA" was presented to the Wheeling YMCA.
