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From Canoe to Cathedral
Msgr. Michael John Witt

The first volume in a four-volume work detailing the work of Catholic missionaries in the early Midwest, and the founding and growth of Catholic institutions in Saint Louis and surrounding regions in Missouri and Illinois.

“Monsignor Michael Witt is giving us a history of the Archdiocese of St. Louis that, already in the first volume of this project, offers the readers the opportunity to deepen our historical appreciation for the powerful and providential way God’s grace has been at work in this portion of the Lord’s vineyard since the first early French missionaries began their journeys of discovery. The richness of the aboriginal cultures, the spiritual motivations behind the early missionaries in sharing the Good News in response to the inquiries and invitations of the Native Americans, and the many varieties of tribal cultures were all very enlightening. It is also good to see the the relationship between incidents and conditions in the middle of the North American Continent and how they could be influenced by political and cultural situations in various countries of Europe at the time. This current volume begins with the adventures of Father Jacques Marquette and concludes with the arrival of young Bishop Peter RIchard Kenrick. The dynamics of all that took place between those two moments lay the groundwork for the growth of the Catholic Church in the Heartland of the United States of America.” [From back cover]
Most Rev. John R. Gaydos, Bishop of Jefferson City

“No one is better qualified to chronicle the rich history of the Archdiocese of St. Louis than Msgr. Michael Witt. His research is indefatigable and he has a deep appreciation and understanding of its meaning.” [From the cover]
Dr. James Hitchcock, St. Louis University

 Contents

Preface by Archbishop Robert Carlson
Chapter 1: Marquette’s Canoe
Chapter 2: The Croissant
Chapter 3: 1763, Year of a Double Disaster
Chapter 4: The Idea of Saint Louis
Chapter 5: Carroll’s Catholic America
Chapter 6: French Émigrés Enrich the Church in America
Chapter 7: Bishop William Valentine Du Bourg
Chapter 8: Rosati’s Cathedral
Bibliography
Index

The Miriam Press, ©2016, Soft cover, 220 pages