Station XV: Episode 174 – Constitution, Cardinal, Children, Concern, Commandments
The Catholic world has (as always) had some big news stories over the past month, led by the leaked US Supreme Court opinion foreshadowing an overturning of Roe v Wade. Elsewhere, the arrest of a 90-year-old cardinal sent shockwaves through some parts of the Church (and the wider society), and Pope Francis has again spoken about God’s care for LGBT Catholics. In New Zealand, there are concerns about attitudes towards blasphemy, but deeper concerns about Bible editing skills. All in a (tardy) episode, due to COVID-19.
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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 172 – Mediation, Vocation, Resignation, Termination
In a world watching in horror at what’s unfolding in Ukraine, the panel opens the episode with a discussion of Pope Francis’ attempts to broker peace in the region. In New Zealand, the priesthood looks set to get a boost from young Vietnamese students, while a priest in the US has resigned from his parish after revelations of invalid baptisms over many years. Elsewhere, new research has found that countries that pass euthanasia laws see related increases in other forms of suicide — a warning for jurisdictions passing such laws. After all that, we need a little classical music to calm the nerves. Can Pope Francis help?
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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: 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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