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

Ep. 2.4: The Nativists & Xenophobia

In this gripping episode, Monsignor and Teresa delve into the chaos of 1840s St. Louis, marked by anti-Catholic riots, cholera outbreaks, and the devastating Great Fire of 1849. They explore the rise of nativist violence against Irish and German immigrants, fueled by conspiracy theories and bigotry. The episode also traces the deadly spread of cholera from India to St. Louis, revealing how poor sanitation and misinformation worsened the crisis. Through it all, the Catholic Church and its institutions stood as pillars of care and resilience amid the turmoil.
*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. 2.3: A City in Racial Turmoil

In a sobering and powerful episode, the podcast confronts the racial tensions and injustices that plagued mid-19th century St. Louis. Monsignor and Teresa recount the erosion of protections for free Blacks, the brutal murder of Francis McIntosh, and the rise of anti-Catholic and nativist sentiment. They explore how laws and public opinion shifted against African Americans and immigrants, and how the Church—alongside voices like Pope Gregory XVI—responded to these moral crises. This episode offers a critical reflection on the intersection of faith, race, and politics in a city struggling with its conscience.
*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 2.2: Creole Village to Major City

This episode dives into the social and geographic makeup of St. Louis as it expands into six distinct wards, each with its own character and challenges. Monsignor and Teresa examine the explosive population growth, the rise of immigrant communities, and the church’s response through parish development and charitable outreach. They spotlight the founding of the Bishop’s Bank and the role of Catholic and non-Catholic institutions in supporting newcomers. The episode paints a vivid picture of a city grappling with urbanization, diversity, and the need for spiritual and social infrastructure.
*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. 2.1: Intro, Kenrick's Early Influences in a Growing Saint Louis

In the opening episode of American Church Volume 2, Monsignor and Teresa introduce Archbishop Peter Richard Kenrick and the rapidly evolving city of St. Louis in the 1840s. They explore the city's transformation from a Creole village to a bustling American town, shaped by waves of immigration, shifting cultural dynamics, and real estate development. The episode highlights the foundational role of the Chouteau family and the emergence of new neighborhoods like Soulard. It sets the stage for understanding how Kenrick’s leadership intersected with a city on the brink of major change.
*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. 1.54: Kenrick as Co-adjutor Bishop

As Bishop Peter Richard Kenrick arrives in St. Louis in 1841, he faces a quiet welcome and a mountain of challenges—including cathedral debt, shifting demographics, and language tensions. Known for his fierce intellect and bold leadership, Kenrick begins expanding parishes and schools, laying the groundwork for a new era in the “Rome of the West.”
*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. 53: Bishop Rosati dies in Rome

Bishop Rosati embarks on a journey to Rome and Haiti, seeking support for his diocese and negotiating a concordat with the Haitian government. Along the way, he secures Peter Richard Kenrick as his coadjutor. Rosati’s final years are marked by diplomacy, dedication, and his eventual death in Rome—leaving behind a flourishing Church.*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. 1.52: Pastors’ Problems in Westphalia and the Synod of 1839

Father Ferdinand Helias, a Flemish Jesuit, becomes a missionary to German communities in central Missouri, navigating dialects and frontier challenges. Meanwhile, Bishop Rosati convenes the 1839 diocesan synod, revealing a thriving Church with 37,000 Catholics, 120 religious sisters, and dozens of parishes across Missouri, Illinois, and Arkansas.
*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. 1.51: The Germans Flock to Saint Louis

German immigration to the Midwest accelerates following the Treaty of Vienna, with St. Louis emerging as a hub thanks to its abundance of German-speaking priests. Bishop Rosati and clergy like Father Ouslangenburg and Father Brickwede serve growing communities across Missouri and Illinois, laying the foundation for vibrant Catholic parishes.*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. 1.50: Newspaper Wars and Flathead Indians

The Flathead Indians send delegations to St. Louis seeking Catholic missionaries. Bishop Rosati responds with compassion, and Father De Smet leads a Jesuit expedition westward. Amid growing anti-Catholic hostility, the Church continues its mission, building bridges with Native communities and expanding its reach across the 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.

Ep. 1.49: The New Old Cathedral and Know-Nothings

The consecration of the Old Cathedral in 1834 marks a milestone for St. Louis, but anti-Catholic sentiment begins to rise. Protestant firebrands like Lyman Beecher and authors like Maria Monk stir fear and violence. Bishop Rosati responds by founding the “Shepherd of the Valley,” St. Louis’s first Catholic newspaper.
*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.