Station XV: Episode 168 — Life, Listening, Laws, Las Vegas
Much of this month’s episode focuses on the South Pacific, with new euthanasia laws in New Zealand, proposed religious freedom laws in Australia, a Tongan cardinal and a possible papal visit to the Pacific finding their way into the lineup. How can priests provide pastoral care for people accessing euthanasia? How can the Church stand up for those affected by climate change? Should Catholic organisations be allowed to only hire Catholics? Will Pope Francis come to the ends of the earth? And why was Mother Teresa in Las Vegas six decades ago? Some answers await as Anna, Don, Gavin and James tease out those topics.
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Station XV: Episode 167 — Council, Conversion, Communion, Conclave
This month’s episode travels the world, taking in the devastating French abuse report, the historic Plenary Council in Australia, New Zealand’s attempt to ban “conversion therapy” and the ongoing debate about politicians and holy Communion. Anna, Don, James and Gavin end up in Italy — and the prospect of a new papacy, suggested by Francis himself. It’s heavy going, but a bumper episode awaits.
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Station XV: Episode 166 — Attack, Assisted Dying, Afghanistan, Activity
The terror attack on an Auckland supermarket leads this month’s episode, with the New Zealand bishops condemning the attack, praying for the injured victims and urging the pursuit of peace. Across the Tasman in Australia, faith-based health care workers are worried about the impact that assisted dying laws will have on them, while back in New Zealand, support is being sought for incoming Afghan refugees. In the United States, the bishops are calling for more civility in public discourse. After another heavy show, maybe we need some time to kick back and relax. Foosball, anyone?
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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 150 — COVID, Courage, Conscience, Confession
In a bumper 150th episode of The 15th Station, the ongoing coronavirus pandemic dominates the show. This month, the focus is on the return to public worship in New Zealand (or lack thereof), as well as the courage of priests and medical staff in providing bodily and spiritual care to COVID sufferers. Anna, Don, James and Gavin also look at attempts to refuse to administer euthanasia if legislation is passed in New Zealand and consider Pope Benedict’s latest biography. Maybe what we all need is a bit of confession by delivery. Enjoy the show — and stay safe out there.
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Station XV: Episode 149 — Lockdown, Law, Legislation, Lady Deacons?
It’s a truly bumper Easter episode of The 15th Station, as the international COVID-19 pandemic and the acquittal of Cardinal George Pell on historical sex abuse charges headline the show. Anna, Don, James and Gavin also discuss the new abortion laws in New Zealand and the Pope’s decision to establish a commission to consider the female diaconate. After a heavy first four “courses”, the cooking exploits of a US priest round out the show. Happy Easter and thanks for listening.
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Station XV: Episode 146 — Bushfires, Books, Baptism and Barenaked Worship
The devastating bushfires that have ravaged many parts of Australia lead this month’s episode. The Church and its agencies are working closely to support people and communities that have been affected. Listeners looking to offer support can donate via the St Vincent de Paul Society‘s website. The big story out of Rome is a new book on celibacy, which features the writings of Cardinal Robert Sarah and Pope Emeritus Benedict. Why’s it so controversial? Listen to what the panel thinks. Don, James and Gavin also discuss infant Baptism, a debate over school funding in New Zealand and the “Come As You Are” approach of one US church. Thanks for listening and for your prayers and support.
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Station XV: Episode 145 — Sorrow, settlement, synod, Scripture
It’s truly a bumper episode of The 15th Station for our Christmas episode, as the panel considers some of the big stories from home and abroad. The White Island volcano tragedy leads the show, as New Zealand tries to deal with another disaster. In Australia, one debate over religious freedom has concluded, with a rugby player and his employers reaching a settlement over a social media post paraphrasing Scripture. In Germany, the Church has embarked on a “synodal journey” that is offering both hope and concern, depending on who you ask. And back in NZ, plans are coming together for the construction of a new Catholic cathedral in Christchurch. From the 15th Station family (Anna, Donald, James and Gavin) to you and yours, we wish you a happy and holy Christmas.
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Station XV: Episode 144 — Canberra, Rome, Amazon, Wellington, Whangamomona
The Station 15 crew was in the courtroom for one of the biggest announcements in the Church’s legal history, as the High Court of Australia agreed that it would hear arguments why Cardinal George Pell’s child sexual abuse convictions should be overturned. It wasn’t quite that exciting for the New Zealand bishops, but they recently made their Ad Limina visit to Rome, meeting with Pope Francis and his key advisers. The bishops were there as the much-reported Synod on the Amazon unfolded, but it was hard to find the facts among the hysteria. Back in New Zealand, there’s a push from a Maori organisation to get Pope Francis to apologise for the Church’s role in colonising the country back in the 19th century. Things have been a bit quieter in Whangamomona, where a 100-year-old Catholic church has seen its last hurrah — as a place of Catholic worship, at least. A typically diverse episode awaits.
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Station XV: Episode 142 — Appeal, Schism, Renewal, Technology
Cardinal George Pell’s unsuccessful appeal on his conviction for historical child sexual abuse leads this month’s episode. Anna, Don, James and Gavin consider the outcome and what might come next. Pope Francis has spoken about the prospect of schism within the Church, while in New Zealand a Marist priest is more focused on renewal. And technology — the Australian bishops’ statement on social media and the emergence of robotic preachers — rounds out the show. Thanks for listening and tell a friend 🙂
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