Saint Louis: The Story of Catholic Evangelization of America’s Heartland

Ep. 1.08: War

Episode 8 of "Saint Louis: The Story of Catholic Evangelization of America's Heartland" dives into the era of near-constant warfare in the early 1700s as European conflicts spilled into North America. Monsignor and Teresa discuss how wars like Queen Anne’s War reshaped French and British territories, the expulsion of the Acadians that gave rise to the Cajun people, and the shifting alliances among Native nations. They recount the Fox Wars, sieges like the one at Detroit, and the brutal cycles of violence that fractured the French colonial “crescent.” The episode closes with the Natchez uprising of 1729, marking the spread of conflict to the South and setting the stage for further French struggles.
*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.

Ep. 1.07: Early Conversion of Native Americans in the Heartland

Episode 7 explores the early Catholic presence along the Mississippi River at the turn of the 18th century. Monsignor and Teresa recount the “Day of the Three Masses” in 1694 at present-day St. Louis, the missionary journeys and martyrdoms of the seminary priests, and Father Davion’s remarkable ministry among the Tonika people. They trace the founding of New Orleans, the migration of the Kaskaskia and Tamaroa tribes to the River Des Peres, and the conflicts between Jesuits, seminary priests, and bishops. The episode also highlights the perseverance of missionaries like Father Gravier and Father Maras, who endured hardship and violence while building thriving Catholic communities in the Illinois country.
*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.

Ep. 1.06: The Murder of Robert De La Salle and Its Aftermath

Episode 6 traces the triumphs and tragedies of Robert de La Salle’s final expeditions. Monsignor and Teresa recount his successful 1682 claim of the Mississippi Delta for France, the brutal return journey, and his ambitious—yet disastrous—attempt to fortify the river by sea that ended in shipwreck and betrayal. They reflect on La Salle’s murder, the cover-up of his death, and the continuation of his vision by Henri de Tonti and others who built French settlements in Illinois. The conversation also highlights the flourishing of Catholic missions, the dramatic conversion of the Kaskaskia chief and his people, and the first Mass celebrated on the future site of St. Louis in 1694.
*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.

Ep. 1.05: Robert De La Salle Takes Up Exploration: 1679

Episode five explores the aftermath of Father Marquette’s death and the next chapter of exploration led by Robert La Salle. Monsignor Witt and Teresa Holman discuss La Salle’s perseverance amid repeated failures, his tense relationship with the Jesuits, and the political backing he received from Governor Frontenac. They also highlight the Jesuits’ rapid missionary efforts in Illinois, the challenges of polygamy in evangelization, and the dramatic setbacks La Salle faced—including desertions, lost ships, and violent Iroquois raids—before ultimately claiming the Mississippi River for France in 1682. The conversation emphasizes both the hardships and determination that shaped this era of exploration and mission work.
*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.

Ep. 1.04: Marquette and Joliet Return North

In this episode, the Msgr. Michael Witt and Teresa Holman retrace the final leg of the 1673 Joliet-Marquette expedition down the Mississippi River, highlighting the explorers' encounters with Indigenous tribes, harsh weather, and looming dangers from both nature and rival Europeans. Father Marquette’s reflections, recorded in a heartfelt letter, reveal his deep missionary zeal and faith. The episode also recounts the tragic end of Joliet’s journey when his canoe capsized, resulting in loss of life and valuable records—saved only by a single copy left with Marquette. Finally, the episode follows Marquette’s return to Illinois to fulfill a promise, his declining health, and his death at just 38, marking the end of an era but the beginning of continued Jesuit missions in the Midwest.
*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.

Ep. 1.03: Exploring the Mississippi River

In this episode, the Msgr. Michael Witt and Teresa Holman trace the journey of French explorers Joliet and Father Marquette as they reach the Mississippi River in 1673, seeking a westward route to the Pacific for trade and missionary work. Along their journey, they encounter the Illinois people, receive a warm and ceremonial welcome, and witness remarkable sights like the Piasa bird paintings on the bluffs. The discussion highlights the Jesuits' vision of cultural accommodation—respecting and Christianizing native societies without destroying them. The episode ends with the explorers discovering the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers and realizing the route leads south, not west, challenging French imperial assumptions.
*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.

Ep. 1.02: Canoeing Into the Unknown

In this second episode of the Church History series on westward Catholic expansion, the Msgr. Michael Witt and Teresa Holman explore the early stages of the 1673 Joliet-Marquette expedition. Father Jacques Marquette and explorer Louis Joliet set out in two canoes, navigating through harsh river conditions and visiting Native American tribes along the way, including the Illinois and the "Wild Rice People." The episode delves into the Jesuits' complex role in missionary work, their tensions with colonial authorities, and their influence among Native tribes. It concludes with the explorers just two miles from the Mississippi River, as they prepare to push into unknown territory despite dire warnings.
*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.

Ep. 1.01: From Canoe to Cathedral - Introduction

Monsignor Michael Witt joins host Theresa to launch an exciting new series on the westward expansion of the Catholic Church in America. In this premiere episode, Monsignor Witt introduces the vision for a sweeping historical journey—tracing the Church’s spiritual, cultural, and institutional influence from early missionary efforts to modern challenges. He sets the stage with the powerful story of Marquette and Joliet’s 1673 expedition, highlighting how religious conviction, not just economic ambition, fueled America’s westward growth. The series promises to uncover forgotten saints, heroic sacrifices, and the Church’s foundational role in shaping society across 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.