Wishing to become a priest, he devoted his time at the university (1838–40) to theological and philosophical studies, gained three prizes, and passed a brilliant examination.
Wittman's strictly orthodox Catholic views, however, soon brought him into conflict with the Liberal tendencies then prevailing, and he was dismissed from the Wilhelmsstift.
[1] Through Caspar Riffel, professor at Giessen, he obtained employment on the journal "Sion", published at Augsburg under the editorship of Ferdinand Herbst, pastor of the town church.
His "Allgemeine Geschichte der katholischen Missionen" (1846 and 1850) was the first treatment of this subject in German; the second volume of the work treats mainly of the conversion of Native Americans.
He was a noted speaker at conventions and other assemblies, and an active worker for churches and benevolent societies, and in many instances served as the guardian of widows and orphans.