Station XV: Episode 120 — Sadness, Solidarity, Social and Celebrity
Tragedy has struck again, this time in Las Vegas, where the local Catholic bishop urged locals and tourists alike to band together in solidarity to support the mourning, the injured and the suffering. Pope Francis has acknowledged the inadequate response to the scourge of clerical sexual abuse, saying the Church was too late to recognise the gravity of the situation. The Pacific bishops are trying to avoid being too late to support the local economies and a New Zealand-born Australian bishop wants to make sure it’s not too late to reach people’s hearts and minds via social media. If that fails, the power of music and the Eucharist might work — or at least that’s maybe what some Colombian worshippers concluded. Enjoy the musings of Anna, Don, James and Gavin in this month’s episode.
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Station XV: Episode 118 — 10 Years, 118 Shows, One Church
As The 15th Station celebrates its 10th birthday, there’s time for a little trip down memory lane and a chance to welcome back some friends — old and new. But it’s not all reminiscing, with several big stories to discuss. In New Zealand, there’s celebration to be had as three new priests were ordained for the Diocese of Christchurch. New Zealand is also currently grappling with the possibility of euthanasia, but a new report doesn’t recommend it as the right way forward. There’s also social change on the Australian agenda, with same-sex marriage about to be considered by the people and the Parliament. In the northern hemisphere, a US bishop is calling for humane treatment of migrants. And in Wales, a case of mistaken identity meant it was free drinks all round. Join James, George, Anna, Gabriel and Gavin for opinions and reflections.
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Station XV: Episode 109 — Elections, Episcopacy, Elevation, Ecumenism and Exorcism
The longest — and most negative — presidential campaign in history is coming to a close. Don, James and Gavin talk about the Pope’s advice for US voters: Study the policies, pray and vote your conscience. Where does that leave voters? The panel also discuss a new bishop in Australia, who’s actually a New Zealander, the new group of cardinals and what that says about Pope Francis’s vision for the Church, and also the ecumenical efforts of Anglican and Catholic leaders, including two Kiwi bishops. And this month’s light story isn’t all that light; in fact, it’s pretty dark. Does the world have enough exorcists? Enjoy another diverse episode of The 15th Station.
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Station XV: Episode 105 — Negligence, Tolerance, Intolerance and Holiness
Somewhat recurrent themes on The 15th Station — clerical abuse and the state of the US presidential race — show their face again in this month’s episode. Pope Francis has taken steps to make the removal of negligent bishops more straightforward, despite some counter-productive efforts in the US on statutes of limitations. Former NZ Prime Minister Helen Clark says the country offers a model for religious tolerance at about the same time Donald Trump is accused of lacking in that virtue. The holiness of a French priest who served in New Zealand and the humour of Jim and Jeanne Gaffigan might save us.
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Station XV: Episode 104 — Pope, Pope, President, Pope and Pasta
Pope Francis can’t seem to stay out of the headlines, but it’s mostly for positive reasons that he’s in the media in the first place. Pope Francis’s gesture — which he says wasn’t political — to bring 12 Syrians back to Rome from the Greek island of Lesbos captured headlines and people’s hearts. His call for tough action on paedophiles was well received, but many want actions rather than words. The new Filipino president’s words, including a pretty unkind swipe at Pope Francis, were also in the news, as was discussion of women deacons. But was the media coverage more hopeful than truthful? Check out a transcript of what the Pope actually said. Maybe James, Don and Gavin could get more information from the Pastafarian lovebirds married in New Zealand. Yes; you read that correctly. Enjoy the show.
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Station XV: Episode 102 — Madonna, martyrs, madness and metal
There are many reasons for doom and gloom when considering this month’s lineup of topics — none more so than reflecting on the murder of four Missionaries of Charity in Yemen. They are “today’s martyrs”, Pope Francis said, and it’s hard to disagree. In New Zealand, Bishop Patrick Dunn has spoken out against Madonna, who he said engages in highly offensive conduct in her current concert. In the US, causing offense seems to be something of a pastime for presidential hopeful Donald Trump. Pope Francis and leading Catholic academics have been highly critical of the billionaire’s rhetoric and policies. Is the criticism fair? Lucy, Don, James and Gavin consider those questions, and also do their best to think about Iron Maiden’s greatest hits.
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Station XV: Episode 101 — Pope, Patriarch, Penance and Passing Away
It’s a mix of joy and sadness in Episode 101 of The 15th Station. The sadness comes from the passing of Christchurch Bishop Barry Jones, who died last week after suffering a number of strokes and a heart attack. James, Don and Gavin reflect on Bishop Barry’s role as pastor and shepherd, especially in the wake of Christchurch’s devastating earthquakes. You can hear more about Bishop Barry in this video tribute from friend of the show Brendan Malone. The joy comes from the meeting of Pope Francis with Patriarch Kirill – the first meeting of the leaders of the Roman Catholic and Russian Orthodox churches in almost 1000 years. The filioque clause mentioned in the show is one reason for the schism that happened all those centuries ago. Missionaries of Mercy and the standardising of a date for Easter are among other topics on this month’s show. And beware the Ash Rash.
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Station XV: Episode 92 — Francis, Feminism and Francisco
Pope Francis is front and centre again in this month’s episode of The 15th Station. He’s a feminist. Or is he? He has an “Effect” named after him, which is pretty impressive. In other news, the NZ bishops are concerned about attempts to change euthanasia and assisted dying conventions, lay Catholics are trying to oust an American Archbishop and an Auckland Catholic man is none too pleased with a large statue of a Hindu deity at a house across the street. Join James, Don and Gavin for another bumper episode of The 15th Station.
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Station XV: Episode 90 — Confrontation, assassination and reconciliation
Lucy, James and Gavin offer their musings on the big Catholic stories of the month, and in New Zealand, the biggest story was the New Zealand bishops quickly and publicly pledging their support for the Government’s decision to send military personnel to the Middle East to help train those who are fighting against Islamic State/IS/ISIS/ISIL. As the violence and barbaric acts escalates, the bishops said people “can no longer watch on from the sidelines”, and echoing comments from Pope Francis on the threat of Islamic State. The Pope makes two other appearances in the show, talking about the possibility he could be assassinated, and also for his decision to allow a homeless man to be buried inside the Vatican. Back in New Zealand, there are concerns about the sanctity of the confessional. All that and more in this month’s episode of The 15th Station.
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Station XV: Episode 89 — Kids, botox and 20-minute homilies
It’s hard to believe it’s almost Lent, but Lucy, Don, James and Gavin have got their penance in early with the latest jam-packed episode of The 15th Station. Pope Francis weeks-long unpacking of families in today’s world features prominently, with his comments that couples who choose not to have children are selfish and his green light for fathers to smack their kids causing a double stir. A Vatican document that suggested elective cosmetic surgery was a “burqa of the flesh” also raised eyebrows. Back in New Zealand, there are fears Mass in Maori — the language of indigenous New Zealanders — may die out, and there’s also anger at the inclusion of an offensive t-shirt in a museum exhibition. Can a 20-minute homily fix it? Find out in this month’s show.
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