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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Station XV: Episode 162 — Communion, Conscience, Cathedral, Careerism
As debate rages in the US over the reception of Communion by some Catholic politicians, the panels weighs in on the hot-button topic. Anna, Don, James and Gavin also look at two major stories in New Zealand — the reluctance of medical workers to participate in euthanasia and the impending construction of a new cathedral in Christchurch. They also discuss Pope Francis’ words of wisdom to newly-ordained priests, although it seems to be good advice for all. It’s a shame a certain fashion designer wasn’t getting such good advice…
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Station XV: Episode 161 — Sorrow, Surety, Suffering, Shrine
New Zealand’s Royal Commission into abuse in care continues to dominate the Church’s agenda, with Cardinal John Dew issuing an apology on behalf of dioceses and religious orders. In Rome, there has been some clarity offered around the Church’s inability to bless same-sex unions, as well as a plea for greater openness to support people affected by environmental challenges. Back in New Zealand, the country will be re-dedicated to Our Lady Assumed into Heaven on her feast day this August, following a pilgrimage through the country. And in “entertainment news”, it appears the Borat sequel might have had a positive impact on one Christian community that was the butt of the mockumentary’s jokes. Another month, another journey around the Catholic world with Anna, Don, James and Gavin.
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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 158 — Capitol, COVID, Coadjutor, Chesterton
The violent protests at the Capitol building in Washington, DC shocked the world, including many prominent Catholic leaders, as well as our panel. What does it all mean? Who was at fault? Anna, Don, James and Gavin seek to answer some of those questions, as well as some serious moral questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, and the advice of the New Zealand bishops. Staying in New Zealand, the Archdiocese of Wellington has a new Coadjutor Bishop, with Bishop Paul Martin SM getting the call from Pope Francis on New Year’s Day. The panel also discusses Pope Francis’ comments on worship, made on the Feast of the Epiphany, and if you’re looking for gifts for next Christmas, we might have a suggestion. Enjoy the show — and Happy New Year!
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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 156 — Referendum, Result, Report and Recipes
The election of just the second Catholic president in US history hasn’t been universally welcomed even within Catholic circles, while in New Zealand, the euthanasia referendum has certainly disturbed many Catholics. Two diverse but also highly disturbing events — the terrorist attack in Nice and the report on former cardinal Theodore McCarrick’s inexplicable rise up the Church’s ranks — also feature in this month’s episode. In the countdown to Christmas, there’s at least a little to cheer about in the form of a new Vatican cookbook. Stay safe and God bless.
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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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Station XV: Episode 154 — Euthanasia, Election, Eucharist, Encyclical, Escape
With the New Zealand election coming up in a few weeks, the referendum on euthanasia leads this month’s episode of The 15th Station. In a related story, priests in New Zealand have been warned that they shouldn’t endorse specific political parties, while being free to speak out on important issues. Cardinal Sarah has encouraged bishops around the world to resume public Masses as soon as it’s safe to do so, while Pope Francis is preparing for the publication of a new encyclical. And if there’s anyone in need of rescue, maybe some priests or seminarians can help out. Enjoy the episode — and stay safe.
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