Station XV: Episode 190 — Six, Synod, Shift, Strickland, Sister
After a long wait, New Zealand now has a full complement of six bishops, with a new Bishop of Hamilton named. Bishops have also been busy in Rome for the Synod of Bishops, while one US bishop in particular now has a lot more time on his hands. His episcopal leadership has undergone what might be called a “paradigm shift”, if that term isn’t reserved exclusively for a new approach to theology. Meanwhile, in France, a religious sister just shifted someone who was protesting the construction of a new religious building. Join Anna, Cam, Don and James for a fast-paced trip around the Catholic 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 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 179 — Abstinence, Bahrain, Campbell, Dioceses, Enlarging
Don, James and Gavin metaphorically join Pope Francis on his Middle East trip, assessing the impact of his time in Bahrain. In New Zealand, men attending a retreat have been urged to stand up against relativism by a former bishop, while in other parts of the country they’re trying to find new bishops. The Vatican has published the next document in the Synod on Synodality journey, put there doesn’t appear to be any talk of reinstating abstinence from meat on Fridays. Maybe it would save the planet….
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Station XV: Episode 169 — COVID, Communion, Canada, Christmas
It’s a globe-trotting Christmas edition of The 15th Station, as the panel starts in New Zealand, assessing the country’s liturgical restrictions under COVID-19, before heading to the United States and the long-awaited and much-discussed document on the Eucharist. In Switzerland, the Church has initiated research into the abuse crisis from the 1950s onwards, while in Canada the bishops have spoken out strongly against moves to legalise prostitution — citing the New Zealand experience in their letter. Just a warning that the discussion on the prostitution push is quite “adult”, so might not be great for kids. Our final story on Santa Claus (and if he’s real) might also be difficult for children, but for different reasons. We wish you all a happy and holy Christmas season.
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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 164 — Eucharist and University, Hospital and Hero
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 159 — Division, Rejection, Conversion, Confusion
The candidacy and election of Catholic Joe Biden has divided opinion within the Church, so his inauguration was destined to be similar — and it certainly was. Anna, Donald, James and Gavin discuss the various statements issued on inauguration day, and the subsequent fallout. In Rome, Pope Francis has spoken out against those who have rejected Vatican II, saying they are outside the Church, and he has also made a ground-breaking appointment to a Vatican body. In New Zealand, the Prime Minister is set to pursue a controversial ban on “gay conversion therapy”, but the panel wonders what that even means. The Vatican’s social media managers are also confused — about the Pope’s Instagram account. A show packed with new and analysis, as always.
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Station XV: Episode 157 — Commission, Coronavirus, Cardinal, Christmas Card
In a year when COVID-19 has dominated people’s lives, it’s fitting that it features in the final episode of 2020. Pope Francis has warned that the pandemic shouldn’t be exploited for political point-scoring, but the panel concludes that the horse might have bolted on that front. The New Zealand Royal Commission into Abuse in Care has held its first hearings into faith-based organisations, and it hasn’t been easy listening (or reading). Anna, Don, James and Gavin also discuss the elevation of the first African-American to the College of Cardinals and his take on the new US President, before they mull over Pope Francis’ planned trip to Iraq next year. If that slate of topics hasn’t scandalised you enough, this Christmas card might 🙂 Wishing all our listeners a blessed and safe Christmas.
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Station XV: Episode 155 — Papal Ponderings, Politics, Prayer, Pell and Pews
Pope Francis’ new encyclical on fraternity and solidarity leads this month’s episode of The 15th Station, with the document seen as particularly important in a time of pandemic. In New Zealand, the upcoming general election — in terms of the bishops’ statement and the Opposition Leader’s faith — is on the agenda, as is the unfolding drama around Cardinal George Pell and a recently-resigned cardinal. A little bit of light entertainment is needed after all that, and a church in the southern US provides just the remedy. Stay safe, and we hope you enjoy the conversation.
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