Station XV: Episode 189 — Mongolia, Muller, Mass, Moscow, Moon
It’s possible that The 15th Station has more listeners than Mongolia has Catholics, but that didn’t stop Pope Francis from heading to the Asian nation to support them in their faith life. The visit garnered positive coverage, as opposed to some comments the Pope made about Russia — which have been heavily criticised by Ukrainians. In New Zealand, a former political leader has reflected on how his Catholicism intertwined with his political life, and plans are underway for the introduction of a new Lectionary to be used at Mass. If all else fails, we can head to the moon (and back). Join Anna, Cameron, Don and James for this month’s episode.
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Station XV: Episode 188 — Our Sweet Sixteen
The sixth World Youth Day during the life of The 15th Station features prominently on our 16th birthday episode, with the panel reflecting on the gathering in Lisbon as well as the choice of South Korea to host the next event in 2027. Don, Anna, James and Gavin also discuss changing habits in terms of practising the faith, and Pope Francis’ exhortation for parents to nurture the faith of their children. An Australian priest is trying to do the same via social media. We also take some time to reflect on the podcast’s history — and thank our listeners for walking with us, whether it’s for one episode or 188.
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Station XV: Episode 187 — Laity, Religious, Bishop, Cardinal, Seminarian
Some significant developments in the Synod on Synodality dominate this month’s episode, with the release of the Synod working document and the announcement of the Synod participants — including dozens of lay people — offering much to ponder. There has also been movement at the episcopal station in New Zealand, with a new bishop named, and on the global stage, Pope Francis has named 21 new cardinals. Maybe a current seminarian, who captured a bit of fame at World Youth Day in Rio, has a higher calling in his future? Join Anna, Cam, Don and James for a lively chat.
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Station XV: Episode 186 — Compact, College, (New) Caledonia, Cardinal, Christians
This month’s show is anything but compact, but we start with news of a Vatican compact on the family, encouraging its flourishing in society. In the Pacific, Catholic education is growing in New Zealand, but has been under threat in New Caledonia. Sadly, the US is grappling with more gun violence, but a cardinal has proposed a possible way forward. Some might say he’s dreaming, but what might he be dreaming about? Researchers are trying to find out — well, maybe not the cardinal’s dreams, but the dreams of Christians. Join Cam, Don, Gavin and James for this month’s trip around the world.
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Station XV: Episode 185 – Continent (of Oceania), Calvary, Cardinal, Convent
If you’re looking for a list of the countries in the Pacific, you’ve come to the right place as the panel discusses the Oceania Bishops’ response to the Synod of Bishops working document, Enlarge the Space of Your Tent. The Oceania response uncovered differences between the countries as they prepare for the Synod assemblies, which will have a more diverse membership than ever before. Diversity appears to be an issue for one Australian government, though, as it moves to take over a Catholic hospital, while in New Zealand it’s time for some semblance of retirement for Cardinal John Dew. That should give him more time to spend on Instagram, maybe keeping up with Sr Elizabete, the myth-busting nun in Brazil.
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Station XV: Episode 183 — Pope, Project, Politics, Pamela
There’s a bit of a revolving door for the panel this month as we reflect on 10 years of Pope Francis, with most suggesting it’s been a mixed bag (including The Washington Post). In Germany, the Church appears to be pursuing some practices that veer away from Catholic teaching, but in Australia it’s just all-out offence that is the concern. The Scottish bishops are trying to insert some sanity back into politics, while Pamela Anderson shares her prayer habits. Thanks for joining Anna, Don, James and Gavin for another chat around the virtual water cooler.
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Station XV: Episode 182 – Pacific, Pope, Parishes, Practice
The bishops from around the Pacific have gathered for a major meeting, with climate change among the key topics on the agenda. On the other side of the world, Pope Francis has again found himself having to explain comments he made in a media interview, this time on homosexuality and sin. Things appeared a little clearer in Australia, for a gathering of people focused on parish renewal, and in Nigeria, where a cardinal has tried to share the secrets of the country’s high Mass attendance. And in our light story for the month, Anna, Don and James discuss – no, seriously – middle fingers. Ne’er a dull moment on The 15th Station.
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Station XV: Episode 180 — Pastors, Pew, Pope, Prayer, Poland
For the Christmas episode, it’s a typically international look at the life of the Church. The panels globetrot from Australia, where hard choices are being made on pastoral care for those accessing euthanasia, to the Christmas scenes in Rome and a call to prayer in New Zealand. A new Pew Research report assesses how religious practice was affected during COVID, including through violence, and we end with some more violence — by someone dressed up as a Christmas tree. No, seriously. We wish the Station 15 family a happy and holy Christmas.
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Station XV: Episode 176 — Sacrifice, Synod, Census, Sisters
Pope Francis has urged Catholics to better understand the sacrifice of the Mass — which is something the Station 15 panel can certainly get behind. The Pope has also made headlines with the commitment to appoint women to the panel that appoints bishops (announced before we recorded, followed through after the recording). Closer to home, New Zealand dioceses have published the fruits of their local consultation for the Synod of Bishops on Synodality and, across the Tasman, new data shows the number of Catholics in Australia is falling. Maybe some ardent prayer — come rain or shine — is the way to go…
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Station XV: Episode 173 – Truce, Trinity, Transfer, Transgression
Once again, the horror and violence in the Ukraine leads this month’s episode, with Pope Francis calling for a truce over the Easter feast. In New Zealand, there’s a sense of disappointment as the Vatican rules a cure that had been considered a miracle due to the intercession of Mother Suzanne Aubert could be explained by medical intervention. There’s a different sense — one of regret and sorrow — in Dunedin, as the Church renames a college that had been named after a bishop deemed to have not acted appropriately on allegations of abuse some decades ago. We end with some good news — a new pathway for refugees and asylum-seekers — and some weird news, as someone climbs the spire of a New Zealand cathedral while under the influence. A typically mixed bag. We wish our listeners a happy and holy Easter.
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