Station XV: Episode 170 — Peace and Pets, Witness and Weather
New Zealand’s largest diocese has a new bishop — a worthy story to kick off a new year for The 15th Station. Pope Francis has also been busy to start 2022, speaking out against violence against women, and also encouraging couples to be generous, choosing children over pets. Looking back to 2021, it was another grim year from Catholic missionaries in some countries, with 22 killed while serving overseas. And a new report tries to assess how the weather affects church attendance, and what impact that might have on crime rates. A diverse line-up for Anna, Don, James and Gavin to tackle.
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Station XV: Birthday Interview with Bishop Gielen
In a special treat for 15th Station listeners, James interviews Auckland Auxiliary Bishop Michael Gielen as New Zealand marks its patronal feast day: the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. That was why this podcast launched on August 15 — all the way back in 2007. Bishop Michael speaks about the re-dedication of New Zealand to Our Lady, the power of prayer and the effects of the pandemic on life and faith. You can find the full August 2021 episode of The 15th Station at www.station15.co.nz
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Station XV: Episode 163 — Consultation, Cardinal, Canada, Canon Law
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 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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Station XV: Episode 148 — COVID, Cardinal, Celebration, Commemoration
The news has been coming thick and fast on the COVID-19 pandemic, including as it relates to Masses and other public gatherings. Anna, Don, Gavin and James try to keep up with it all in this month’s episode. They also look at what happened at the High Court of Australia last week with Cardinal Pell’s attempt to overturn his sexual abuse convictions. In happier news, a new Auxiliary Bishop of Auckland has been ordained, with his deacon father assisting at the Mass — a rare occurrence indeed. Elsewhere in New Zealand, the first anniversary of the Christchurch mosque shooting has been marked. All that, plus some Lenten advice, on this show.
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Station XV: Episode 143 — Resignation, Canonisation, Ordination, Consultation and Condemnation
The resignation of Palmerston North Bishop Charles Drennan for inappropriate behaviour with a young woman was a great shock to the Church in New Zealand — and the Station 15 panel. That big story leads this episode, which (as always) traverses the globe. This month, the panel ventures to Rome via Oxford, with the canonisation of St John Henry Newman, and then to the Amazon via Rome, as a Synod of Bishops considers the life of the Church in the Amazon. Back in New Zealand, abortion legislation is on the political agenda. But is the Government playing fair? It’s certainly not fair to steal a church’s air conditioner, but is it OK to condemn that person to hell? Yes, it’s an episode as diverse as it sounds. Enjoy 🙂
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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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Station XV: Episode 127 — Crosiers, Cardinal, Criticism and Climate
There’s more cause for celebration in New Zealand, with a second bishop ordained in quick succession. Bishop Michael Dooley is a local boy who has swapped his farmer’s crook for a bishop’s crosier. Across the Tasman in Australia, Cardinal George Pell has been ordered to stand trial on historical sexual offences, making him the highest-ranking cleric to be charged. The Cardinal entered his “not guilty” plea in a clear and firm voice. In the Philippines, President Rodrigo Duterte has chosen to unleash his power on an Australian religious sister, who has been speaking up on behalf of the poor and the marginalised. Meanwhile, the bishops of Oceania — Australia, New Zealand and many Pacific island nations — have also called for protection for those who are in danger, including from climate change. All in a month’s work for the panel of Anna, James and Gavin on The 15th Station.
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Station XV: Episode 125 — Two Bishops, One Pope, 1,900 Young People and a Persecuted Minority
The Catholic Church in New Zealand — especially on its South Island — is celebrating the ordination of one bishop and the appointment of another. Considering there are only two bishops there, that’s a big deal. The five-year anniversary of Pope Francis is also a big deal, but how are people assessing that period? And how do young people assess the Church and its engagement with those under the age of 30? There’s more news of terrible persecution of Christians, with Rome highlighting their plight at the Colosseum. And singer Ed Sheeran doesn’t want the Colosseum, but he does have eyes for a new chapel on his UK property. Anna, James and Gavin gather for this month’s episode. Thanks for listening.
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Station XV: Episode 122 — Christchurch, Christ’s prayer, Christianity and Christmas fun
In the final episode of 2017, there is cause for celebration, but also cause for concern. In New Zealand, Catholics welcomed the appointment of a new Bishop of Christchurch. But there was also fear that attempts to legislate euthanasia might be successful in the country, though there are many hurdles before that can happen. In Europe, Pope Francis is wondering aloud if the Lord’s Prayer might be confusing people, while the new Polish leader wonders how Christianity might again shape Europe. But when it comes to pure fun, our Anglican friends seem to have it sorted, with a toboggan ride in an English church. Just another fun Christmas episode of The 15th Station. Wishing all our listeners and your loved ones a happy and holy Christmas.
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