Ep. 1: 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.