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

Ep. 2. 24: Dred and Harriet Scott

This episode delves deeper into the Dred Scott case, following Dred and Harriet Scott’s journey from Fort Snelling to St. Louis and their growing fear of family separation. Monsignor and Teresa recount their legal efforts to gain freedom, the support of the Blow family, and the complex twists of Missouri law. They explore the broader implications of the case, including its challenge to precedent and its escalation to the federal courts. The episode ends with the Scotts’ brief legal victory and the looming national consequences of their fight for freedom.

Ep. 2. 23: Cavalry Cemetery & the Bohemian Community

Monsignor and Teresa continue their discussion of Calvary Cemetery and shift focus to the founding of St. John Nepomuk, the Bohemian parish in St. Louis. They trace the colorful life of its first pastor, Father Henry Lepowski, and the parish’s development under Father Francis Trojan and Father Joseph Hessoun. The episode then introduces the Blow family and their connection to Dred Scott, setting the stage for one of the most pivotal legal battles in American history. Through personal stories and historical context, the episode reveals the human dimensions of slavery and the early roots of the Dred Scott case.

Ep. 2. 22: Father Goller & Catholic Education

This episode highlights the legacy of Father Francis Goller, pastor of Saints Peter and Paul Parish, and his deep commitment to Catholic education. Monsignor and Teresa explore his efforts to establish schools with the Sisters of Notre Dame and the Brothers of Mary, his role in the Third Plenary Council of Baltimore, and his advocacy for mandatory parish schools. They also discuss the diocesan synod of 1849, which revealed the rapid growth of Catholic parishes and missions across Missouri. The episode concludes with the founding of Calvary Cemetery and the emergence of German-language Catholic publications to counter anti-Catholic sentiment.

Ep. 2. 21: Two German Parishes

This episode focuses on the founding and early struggles of two German parishes in St. Louis: Most Holy Trinity and Saints Peter and Paul. Monsignor and Teresa recount the challenges faced by pastors and assistants, including financial mismanagement and interpersonal conflicts, and the rise of Father Francis Goller as a beloved and transformative leader. They explore the development of Soulard and Bremen neighborhoods, the role of real estate in parish growth, and the architectural beauty of these churches. The episode sets the stage for Father Goller’s lasting impact on Catholic education and community life.

Ep. 2. 20: Saint Vincent de Paul Society & Other Charities

Monsignor and Teresa delve into the founding of the St. Vincent de Paul Society in St. Louis, led by Brian Melanphy and supported by Father Ambrose Heim. They explore the society’s mission to serve the poor, its rapid expansion, and its influence on other charitable efforts. The episode also highlights the arrival of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, their work with vulnerable women, and the generosity of donors like Ann Lucas Hunt and Adolphus Busch. With new parishes and schools emerging, the Church’s commitment to social justice and education continues to shape the city’s spiritual and civic landscape.
 

Ep. 2. 19: Real Estate and New Parishes

This episode explores the real estate boom in mid-19th century St. Louis, highlighting the city's rapid expansion and the rise of prominent developers like George R. Taylor and Thomas Allen. Monsignor and Teresa discuss the transformation of neighborhoods like Soulard and North St. Louis, the creation of grand boulevards, and the impact of infrastructure like water reservoirs. They also trace the founding of new Catholic parishes and schools, including St. Mary of Victories and St. Vincent de Paul, and the arrival of the Christian Brothers. The episode closes with the introduction of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, marking a new chapter in Catholic charitable outreach.
 

Ep. 2. 18: Newspapers and Affairs of Money

This episode details Archbishop Kenrick’s remarkable financial leadership, including the creation and success of the Bishop’s Bank. Monsignor and Teresa recount how Father Ambrose Heim’s parish bank inspired a diocesan institution that supported parishes, religious orders, and even the city of St. Louis. They explore Kenrick’s careful debt management, the impact of the Thornton bequest, and the bank’s role in building Catholic infrastructure. The episode closes with Kenrick’s decision to liquidate the bank before traveling to Rome, marking the end of a transformative era in diocesan finance.

Ep. 2. 17: A Catholic Voice: Kenrick's Pastoral Letters

Returning to St. Louis, this episode focuses on Archbishop Kenrick’s pastoral letters and his attempts to establish a Catholic newspaper. Monsignor and Teresa examine Kenrick’s eloquent writings on temperance, persecution, and support for clergy, revealing his deep concern for both spiritual and social issues. They trace the rise and fall of the Catholic Cabinet and other publications, highlighting the challenges of sustaining Catholic media in the 19th century. The episode also sets the stage for Kenrick’s financial acumen and the founding of the Bishop’s Bank.

Ep. 2. 16: De Smet and the Indian Tragedy

This episode explores the unraveling of Father DeSmet’s vision for a Jesuit-style reduction among the Flathead tribe. Monsignor and Teresa discuss internal Jesuit criticism, especially from Father Rivoli, and the eventual abandonment of the mission. They reflect on the broader tragedy of Native American displacement, the collapse of peaceful alternatives, and the rise of federal militarization across the Great Plains. The episode concludes with the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1851, Father DeSmet’s growing influence, and the painful realization that even well-intentioned efforts could not stop the tide of injustice.

Ep. 2. 15: Father Peter DeSmet

In this moving episode, Monsignor and Teresa follow Father DeSmet’s journey to the Bitterroot Valley, where he establishes St. Mary’s Mission among the Flathead tribe. They recount the joyful Christmas baptisms, the peaceful gathering of 2,000 warriors for Mass, and DeSmet’s tireless travels across continents to fund and support the mission. Yet tensions rise as Jesuit leadership questions his methods and promises. The episode captures both the triumph and the challenges of building a spiritual refuge in the wilderness.