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 161 — Sorrow, Surety, Suffering, Shrine
New Zealand’s Royal Commission into abuse in care continues to dominate the Church’s agenda, with Cardinal John Dew issuing an apology on behalf of dioceses and religious orders. In Rome, there has been some clarity offered around the Church’s inability to bless same-sex unions, as well as a plea for greater openness to support people affected by environmental challenges. Back in New Zealand, the country will be re-dedicated to Our Lady Assumed into Heaven on her feast day this August, following a pilgrimage through the country. And in “entertainment news”, it appears the Borat sequel might have had a positive impact on one Christian community that was the butt of the mockumentary’s jokes. Another month, another journey around the Catholic world with Anna, Don, James and Gavin.
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Station XV: Episode 160 — Two Popes, a Prime Minister and some seagulls
Pope Francis’ historic and courageous trip to Iraq and reflections on Pope Benedict’s historic resignation from the papacy eight years ago feature prominently in this month’s episode. There’s also an ongoing debate in Australia about religious freedom as it relates to employment, including in schools. A former prime minister has entered the fray. Maybe a quick flick through the Bible will help all of us feel a little better? A flock of seagulls (not the band) is certainly not helping in Christchurch. Yes, it’s a little weird and wonderful as Anna, Don, James and Gavin come together this month.
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Station XV: Episode 159 — Division, Rejection, Conversion, Confusion
The candidacy and election of Catholic Joe Biden has divided opinion within the Church, so his inauguration was destined to be similar — and it certainly was. Anna, Donald, James and Gavin discuss the various statements issued on inauguration day, and the subsequent fallout. In Rome, Pope Francis has spoken out against those who have rejected Vatican II, saying they are outside the Church, and he has also made a ground-breaking appointment to a Vatican body. In New Zealand, the Prime Minister is set to pursue a controversial ban on “gay conversion therapy”, but the panel wonders what that even means. The Vatican’s social media managers are also confused — about the Pope’s Instagram account. A show packed with new and analysis, as always.
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Station XV: Episode 158 — Capitol, COVID, Coadjutor, Chesterton
The violent protests at the Capitol building in Washington, DC shocked the world, including many prominent Catholic leaders, as well as our panel. What does it all mean? Who was at fault? Anna, Don, James and Gavin seek to answer some of those questions, as well as some serious moral questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, and the advice of the New Zealand bishops. Staying in New Zealand, the Archdiocese of Wellington has a new Coadjutor Bishop, with Bishop Paul Martin SM getting the call from Pope Francis on New Year’s Day. The panel also discusses Pope Francis’ comments on worship, made on the Feast of the Epiphany, and if you’re looking for gifts for next Christmas, we might have a suggestion. Enjoy the show — and Happy New Year!
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