Station XV: Episode 176 — Sacrifice, Synod, Census, Sisters
Pope Francis has urged Catholics to better understand the sacrifice of the Mass — which is something the Station 15 panel can certainly get behind. The Pope has also made headlines with the commitment to appoint women to the panel that appoints bishops (announced before we recorded, followed through after the recording). Closer to home, New Zealand dioceses have published the fruits of their local consultation for the Synod of Bishops on Synodality and, across the Tasman, new data shows the number of Catholics in Australia is falling. Maybe some ardent prayer — come rain or shine — is the way to go…
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Station XV: Episode 173 – Truce, Trinity, Transfer, Transgression
Once again, the horror and violence in the Ukraine leads this month’s episode, with Pope Francis calling for a truce over the Easter feast. In New Zealand, there’s a sense of disappointment as the Vatican rules a cure that had been considered a miracle due to the intercession of Mother Suzanne Aubert could be explained by medical intervention. There’s a different sense — one of regret and sorrow — in Dunedin, as the Church renames a college that had been named after a bishop deemed to have not acted appropriately on allegations of abuse some decades ago. We end with some good news — a new pathway for refugees and asylum-seekers — and some weird news, as someone climbs the spire of a New Zealand cathedral while under the influence. A typically mixed bag. We wish our listeners a happy and holy Easter.
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Station XV: Episode 171 – Data, Papa, Papa, Data, Pater
It’s not the most uplifting line-up of stories, but the panel tackles a range of important topics this month. In New Zealand, data has been released on abuse within the Church, as well as on the number of people accessing euthanasia now that it has been legalised. On the other side of the world, Pope Benedict has sought forgiveness for the way the Church handled abuse, including while Archbishop of Munich, and Pope Francis has prayed for peace between Ukraine and Russia. Anna, Don, James and Gavin conclude on a musical note, marking the death of Australian Mercy Sister Janet Mead, whose rock version of the Our Father was a hit in the 1970s.
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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: 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 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 165 — Our 14th Birthday!!
As The 15th Station celebrates our 14th birthday, we open the episode with a special guest: Auckland Auxiliary Bishop Michael Gielen. Bishop Michael talks with James about COVID-19, the re-dedication of New Zealand to Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and the power of prayer. The regular panel of Anna, Don and Gavin then joins the show for the usual array of “hot topics”, which this month means the Australian Census, parish research in New Zealand and the Pope’s motu proprio on the Traditional Latin Mass. Welcome to new listeners, whether they’re here on earth or further afield. (It will make sense when you listen.) Thanks for joining us for our birthday celebration.
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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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