The 15th Station is our monthly news podcast. We get a panel of Kiwi Catholics together to provide a Catholic perspective on the news and current events of the month.
Station XV: Episode 194 — So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, adieu
In New Zealand, we often tell someone we’ll “see you later”, rather than saying “goodbye”. And as we work our way through Advent 2024, more than 17 years after James uttered those now well-known words “You’re tuned to The 15th Station, New Zealand’s first Catholic podcast”, it’s time to say “see you later”.
On this final episode using our current format, James, Gavin and Gabriel – three of the four “originals” – are joined by Don and Anna to reminisce and to celebrate the years of digital ministry together. There’s even some audio from that first episode; we’re grateful the quality improved over the years.
As we explain in the episode, there will be other projects that Station 15 alumni will continue to be part of. What shape those projects will take is still emerging.
As the proverbial curtain comes down on this 17-year mission, we give thanks for what we’ve been able to achieve. And we give thanks for those who have walked the journey with us. We wish you all a happy and holy Christmas season and how that our paths cross again some day.
With every blessing,
The 15th Station team
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Station XV: Episode 193 — Pope to Papua (New Guinea), Paris, Patrick
Pope Francis’ first trip to the Oceania region headlines this month’s episode, as the Pontiff prepares to visit Papua New Guinea, as well as East Timor, Indonesia and Singapore on the longest trip of his pontificate. It’s also been a long time coming for a new document on human dignity, in which the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith tackles some major social issues. In France, the number of adults becoming Catholic has been surging. What might be the cause? Are they showing courage? That’s what Pope Francis is calling Christians to exhibit. And we’re sure the Holy Father doesn’t want people stealing anything. Join Anna, Cam, Don, Gavin and James for this unpredictable journey through the Catholic world.
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Station XV: Episode 192 — Allegations, Attitudes, Anthropology, Advertising
New Zealand’s lone cardinal has been the subject of allegations of abuse in the 1970s, with the allegations aired publicly despite police saying they won’t proceed with charges. It’s a challenging opening for Anna, Don, Cameron and James this month, but there are reasons for hope as a study finds young people are inclined to believe in God and Pope Francis is preparing to mark Holy Thursday by visiting a prison. The Holy Father has also spoken out again about gender ideology, saying it’s a great challenge. Apparently an advertisement featuring Jesus has been a challenge for some other people. Enjoy this month’s episode, and best wishes for a happy and holy Easter.
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Station XV: Episode 191 — Blessing, Reading, Deciding, Writing
In our first episode of 2024, we dive into the Church controversy that ended 2023 — the issuance of a Vatican “declaration” on blessings for people in “irregular” relationships. What did the declaration say? How has it been received? Why was there such an uproar? Anna, Cam, James and Gavin try to unpack that, and also check in on the bishops in New Zealand, who have sent a document on Catholic teaching to the country’s politicians. In Christchurch, Bishop Michael Gielen has declared his intentions on the city’s new cathedral, while waiting to hear from his people. In Ireland, the bishops want to see people back at Mass, while in the UK there are fears AI might replace priests. We’re not so worried, though 🙂
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