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.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Station XV: Episode 103 — Communion, Commission, Closures and Contributions
The Pope’s apostolic exhortation Amoris Laetitia leads off this month’s episode and — spoiler alert — there are some strong feelings on the document. Pope Francis’s Holy Thursday initiative to wash the feet of refugees of different faiths and the possible Royal Commission into child sexual abuse in New Zealand also feature, and Don, James and Gavin have a mix of sadness and support for the closure of three parishes in Dunedin. Maybe if they’d been receiving tithes via a new app, the parishes could’ve stayed open. Just joking. Mostly. Enjoy the show.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
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.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Station XV: Episode 100 — Royalty, Recognition, Reprimands and Reminiscing
Eight-and-a-half years after it all began, the little podcast that could reached its 100th episode this month, and it was a full studio and a full show to mark the occasion. The Queen sends congratulations to people who turn 100; she didn’t send a message, but she does feature on this episode thanks to her Christmas message. Two other acclaimed women — the Virgin Mary and Mother Teresa — are also discussed, as well as a lesser-known, but very important, woman, as Sr Margaret Lancaster is recognised for her work in the area of palliative care. Join Shannon, Helen, James, Don, Gabriel and Gavin, as well as a few celebrity voices, on our 100th episode. And there’s not a hoverboard in sight.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Station XV: Episode 99 – Wall to (almost) wall Pope Francis
It’s fair to say Pope Francis is dominating headlines around the world, so he’s doing the same on The 15th Station. Whether it’s the opening of the Jubilee Door – and Year of Mercy – or his calling for swift action in response to the Paris climate talks, Francis continues to be a media rock star. And apparently he’s also something of a musical rock star, with a new CD launched featuring the Pontiff. There’s other discussion of music on this month’s show, with James, Don and Gavin wondering if there’s such a thing as “objectively good” Church music. Merry Christmas from The 15th Station family and we’ll speak with you all in January for Episode 100!
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Station XV: Episode 98 — Scandals, Surveys, Synods, Saints and Sinners
Pope Francis isn’t going to let the Vatican leaks and the associated scandals slow down his papacy — and he’s told some of Italy’s Church leaders as much in a major speech. It’s maybe that attitude or just Francis’s demeanour, but his recent trip to the United States has seen his popularity — and people’s comfort with their own faith — improve. That’s happened while bishops and cardinals have been battling over what the Synod on the Family really said about Communion for the divorced and remarried. Perhaps we all just need to download a new app to help us find (or stay on) the path to holiness.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Station XV: Episode 95 — Pope, Polls, Polar Priests and Pasta
Pope Francis’s summer has surely been soured (#sarcasm) by new polls in the United States that show his popularity is waning across the board — with conservatives and progressives alike not as enamoured with the Pontiff as they were a year ago. The poll comes a few weeks before his visit to the US. When it comes to Antarctica, though, there won’t be any more visits from Catholic priests, with money and a lack of demand seeing an end to New Zealand priests ministering on The Ice. In other news, the divorced and remarried debate continues and a Kiwi priest with a colourful past gets an important international gig. But it’s the papal declaration on the secret to happiness that has Lucy, Don, James and Gavin really excited. Enjoy the episode.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Station XV: Episode 93 — On Popes, the planet, populations and pitying (the fool)
In this month’s episode, the upcoming papal encyclical on ecology and the environment, to be released on June 18, takes top billing. As Vatican-watcher John Allen points out, there are likely to be a number of false claims in the media when Laudato Sii is released. The panel — James, Helen, Don and Gavin — also talk about the changing demographics of Kiwis, new measures to hold bishops accountable for failing to protect children and the “Yes” vote to same-sex marriage in Ireland. And the show ends with a reflection on TV’s 1980s hard man Mr T and his Christian faith. Enjoy the show.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
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.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Station XV: Episode 91 — Easter joy, Easter sorrow and translation madness
The Station 15 crew is basking in the post-Easter glow, but the Pope’s Easter message and its plea for peace around the world highlights the great challenges that are being faced by many, including Christians in various parts of the globe. Despite those challenges, the Church continues to grow, but some experts are predicting quite a change in the religious adherence of people over the next several decades. Maybe that will help us better understand people of other religions or none, but it’s too late for a New Zealander who’s been jailed in Myanmar for causing religious offence. Meanwhile, some people hope it’s not too late to have another attempt at an English translation of the Mass. All this and more with Helen, Gabriel, James, Don and Gavin in a busy episode of The 15th Station.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS