Ep. 4.11: A Hidden Fire in High Ridge: The Society of Our Mother of Peace

This episode explores the remarkable rise of the Society of Our Mother of Peace, founded by Father Placid Gust, whose deep longing for contemplative prayer, apostolic service, and radical simplicity led him from New Orleans to France, Oklahoma, and ultimately High Ridge, Missouri. Monsignor recounts how this small community—rooted in six hours of daily prayer and fearless missionary outreach—brought hundreds into the Church through door‑to‑door evangelization, nursing‑home ministry, and courageous work in North St. Louis. Despite near collapse when diocesan support shifted, the society survived through providential timing and the welcome of Bishop Bernard Law, eventually expanding to other U.S. dioceses and abroad. It’s a story of perseverance, quiet heroism, and the transformative power of lived faith.