Saint Louis: The Story of Catholic Evangelization of America’s Heartland
Msgr. Michael John Witt was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Saint Louis in 1990. Before that, he served the Church for twenty-two years as a Christian Brother teaching in Oklahoma, Missouri and Tennessee.
He holds a Ph.D. in Modern European History from Saint Louis University and a Masters in Divinity from Kenrick-Glennon Seminary. He has served the archdiocese as associate pastor, pastor, Director of Continuing Formation for Priests, and Director of the Permanent Diaconate. Following his retirement in 2025, Msgr. Witt was named Professor Emeritus of Church History at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis, Mo. Besides publishing six books on Catholic topics and contributing journal articles, Monsignor Witt assembled a 169-part series on Catholic Church history and this 200+ episode series on St. Louis Church History which were both broadcast on Covenant Network Catholic Radio.
Listen on:
Episodes
Monday Oct 20, 2025
Monday Oct 20, 2025
Bishop DuBourg establishes St. Louis College, the first institution of higher learning west of the Mississippi. Meanwhile, St. Rose Philippine Duchesne and her companions endure a grueling sea voyage and uncertain welcome in New Orleans before finally arriving in St. Louis—only to be sent to a leaky cabin in St. Charles to begin their mission.
*Saint Louis: The Story of Catholic Evangelization of America's Heartland originally aired on Covenant Network Catholic Radio. These podcast episodes are being released in anticipation of the Bicentennial Celebrations of the founding of the Archdiocese of St. Louis as the Diocese of St. Louis on July 18, 1826.
Monday Oct 20, 2025
Monday Oct 20, 2025
In 1818, St. Louis experiences explosive growth—new parishes, cobblestone streets, and a cathedral underway. Bishop DuBourg faces financial challenges while Creole families and real estate developers shape the city’s future. The Catholic Church begins planting deep roots in the expanding urban landscape.
*Saint Louis: The Story of Catholic Evangelization of America's Heartland originally aired on Covenant Network Catholic Radio. These podcast episodes are being released in anticipation of the Bicentennial Celebrations of the founding of the Archdiocese of St. Louis as the Diocese of St. Louis on July 18, 1826.
Monday Oct 20, 2025
Monday Oct 20, 2025
Bishop DuBourg returns to America aboard a French warship with a new wave of missionaries, seminarians, and volunteers. After a dramatic winter journey, he arrives in St. Louis to a hero’s welcome. Meanwhile, St. Rose Philippine Duchesne and her companions begin their own perilous voyage to the New World.
*Saint Louis: The Story of Catholic Evangelization of America's Heartland originally aired on Covenant Network Catholic Radio. These podcast episodes are being released in anticipation of the Bicentennial Celebrations of the founding of the Archdiocese of St. Louis as the Diocese of St. Louis on July 18, 1826.
Monday Oct 20, 2025
Monday Oct 20, 2025
Bishop DuBourg’s begging tour across Europe yields remarkable success, securing missionaries and resources for the struggling Louisiana territory. Despite fierce opposition in New Orleans, he shifts his focus to St. Louis, bringing Vincentians, diocesan priests, and eventually Rose Philippine Duchesne to the American frontier.
*Saint Louis: The Story of Catholic Evangelization of America's Heartland originally aired on Covenant Network Catholic Radio. These podcast episodes are being released in anticipation of the Bicentennial Celebrations of the founding of the Archdiocese of St. Louis as the Diocese of St. Louis on July 18, 1826.
Monday Oct 13, 2025
Monday Oct 13, 2025
Rose Philippine Duchesne joins the Society of the Sacred Heart, forging a powerful spiritual partnership with Mother Madeleine Sophie Barat. As Napoleon rises and falls, the Church regains footing in France. Duchesne’s dream of serving in America is ignited by a visiting Trappist—and soon, Bishop DuBourg arrives with a surprising invitation.
Monday Oct 13, 2025
Monday Oct 13, 2025
As the French Revolution intensifies, Rose Philippine Duchesne faces rejection from her former religious community and isolation in her dilapidated convent. Yet through perseverance and providence, she connects with the newly founded Society of the Sacred Heart, setting the stage for her future missionary work in America.
Monday Oct 13, 2025
Monday Oct 13, 2025
We begin the inspiring story of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, born into privilege in Grenoble but drawn to religious life amid revolutionary turmoil. Her early years reveal a deep devotion, fierce resolve, and the beginnings of a journey that will eventually lead her to the American frontier.
*Saint Louis: The Story of Catholic Evangelization of America's Heartland originally aired on Covenant Network Catholic Radio. These podcast episodes are being released in anticipation of the Bicentennial Celebrations of the founding of the Archdiocese of St. Louis as the Diocese of St. Louis on July 18, 1826.
Monday Oct 13, 2025
Monday Oct 13, 2025
This episode traces the incredible journey of Trappist monks fleeing the French Revolution, including Father Dennard, a former grenadier turned priest, and their settlement at Cahokia Mounds. It also introduces Father Charles Nerinckx, a Belgian priest who risked everything to serve the American frontier.
*Saint Louis: The Story of Catholic Evangelization of America's Heartland originally aired on Covenant Network Catholic Radio. These podcast episodes are being released in anticipation of the Bicentennial Celebrations of the founding of the Archdiocese of St. Louis as the Diocese of St. Louis on July 18, 1826.
Monday Oct 13, 2025
Monday Oct 13, 2025
As the Louisiana Territory officially changes hands in the Day of the Three Flags, St. Louisans—Creole, American, and Native—grapple with the emotional and cultural shift. Meanwhile, the city’s Catholic life struggles with priest shortages, and a mysterious Capuchin monk briefly appears before vanishing again.
*Saint Louis: The Story of Catholic Evangelization of America's Heartland originally aired on Covenant Network Catholic Radio. These podcast episodes are being released in anticipation of the Bicentennial Celebrations of the founding of the Archdiocese of St. Louis as the Diocese of St. Louis on July 18, 1826.
Monday Oct 06, 2025
Monday Oct 06, 2025
As the Louisiana Purchase unfolds, Sulpician priests like Gabriel Richard make history—founding churches, universities, and even serving in Congress. Meanwhile, Jefferson’s vision for Native American relocation and the Day of the Three Flags mark a turning point for St. Louis and the future of the American frontier.
*Saint Louis: The Story of Catholic Evangelization of America's Heartland originally aired on Covenant Network Catholic Radio. These podcast episodes are being released in anticipation of the Bicentennial Celebrations of the founding of the Archdiocese of St. Louis as the Diocese of St. Louis on July 18, 1826.