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 165 — Our 14th Birthday!!
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As The 15th Station celebrates our 14th birthday, we open the episode with a special guest: Auckland Auxiliary Bishop Michael Gielen. Bishop Michael talks with James about COVID-19, the re-dedication of New Zealand to Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and the power of prayer. The regular panel of Anna, Don and Gavin then joins the show for the usual array of “hot topics”, which this month means the Australian Census, parish research in New Zealand and the Pope’s motu proprio on the Traditional Latin Mass. Welcome to new listeners, whether they’re here on earth or further afield. (It will make sense when you listen.) Thanks for joining us for our birthday celebration.
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Station XV: Episode 164 — Eucharist and University, Hospital and Hero
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The US Bishops and President Joe Biden continue to be pitted against one another, with an upcoming document on the Eucharist seen as a shot across Biden’s bow. But is it just a teaching document on a key topic? Anna, Don, James and Gavin discuss that, as well as the ongoing story of Canadian residential schools and the Catholic Church, hopes for a Catholic university in New Zealand and Pope Francis’ recent surgery. Maybe we just need a hero. Will Spider-Man do? Thanks for listening to The 15th Station.
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Station XV: Episode 163 — Consultation, Cardinal, Canada, Canon Law
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Pope Francis has just announced that there will be a three-year buildup to the next Synod of Bishops, inviting Catholics around the world to share their thoughts on Church affairs. Will it be a valuable process? Or just set people up for disappointment? In Germany, there was a mix of excitement and disappointment when Cardinal Reinhard Marx offered his resignation, but Pope Francis didn’t accept that offer. Anna, Don, James and Gavin tackle those topics, as well as the news of more than 200 bodies being found at a Canadian residential school the Church helped run and changes announced to canon law. In the light story for the month, the panel marvels at a Scottish shed that’s a spiritual home for Catholics — in many parts of the world. Enjoy the show and, if you like it, tell your friends about The 15th Station.
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Station XV: Episode 162 — Communion, Conscience, Cathedral, Careerism
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As debate rages in the US over the reception of Communion by some Catholic politicians, the panels weighs in on the hot-button topic. Anna, Don, James and Gavin also look at two major stories in New Zealand — the reluctance of medical workers to participate in euthanasia and the impending construction of a new cathedral in Christchurch. They also discuss Pope Francis’ words of wisdom to newly-ordained priests, although it seems to be good advice for all. It’s a shame a certain fashion designer wasn’t getting such good advice…
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