Monsignor Michael Witt joins host Theresa for this series on the westward expansion of the Catholic Church in America. At the outset, 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.

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.