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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Station XV: Episode 153 — The Podcast Becomes an Unruly Teenager
Elections on either side of the Pacific Ocean are in the spotlight (and under the microscope) as the panel celebrates 13 years of The 15th Station. Anna, Don, James and Gavin start with the upcoming New Zealand election, and some developing stories there, before switching to the war of words between US President Donald Trump and his opponent, Joe Biden. In other news, Pope Francis has called for the Church to take a leading role in Lebanon as the country responds to this month’s deadly explosion. And finally, seeking a ray of sunshine under a COVID-19 shadow, some kids at a New Zealand Catholic school are trying to make quarantine a bit easier. Thanks for sharing 13 years, or even just this one episode, with us.
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Station XV: Episode 152 — Mosque, Matters, Marijuana, Murals
The reversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque, with Friday prayers returning on July 24, leads this month’s episode, which is dominated by stories from New Zealand. A pro-life billboard has been criticised for trying to hijack the Black Lives Matter movement, while the debate over plans to legalise marijuana in New Zealand begins to heat up. The panel of Anna, Don, James and Gavin also discuss the role of women in seminary formation. Would it have made a difference in seminaries that seem to have been linked to abusive priests? Maybe a little bit of an art critique can lighten the mood — or not.
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Station XV: Episode 151 — Family; Floyd; Fees; Frivolity?
In New Zealand, the new Leader of the Opposition has touted his faith and family values as key focus points for him as the country counts down to a September election. Around the globe the focus continues to be on COVID-19 and on the discussion over the relationship between policing and race. Anna, Don, James and Gavin discuss the death of George Floyd and the major protests — and riots — that ensued. On the COVID-19 front, Catholic schools in New Zealand are supporting parents with fee relief, while some priests have been struggling with the lockdown and what it says about them and their ministry. At least one priest has found a unique approach to social distancing and blessings, using a water pistol to continue a long-held tradition. Innovative or inappropriate?
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Station XV: Episode 149 — Lockdown, Law, Legislation, Lady Deacons?
It’s a truly bumper Easter episode of The 15th Station, as the international COVID-19 pandemic and the acquittal of Cardinal George Pell on historical sex abuse charges headline the show. Anna, Don, James and Gavin also discuss the new abortion laws in New Zealand and the Pope’s decision to establish a commission to consider the female diaconate. After a heavy first four “courses”, the cooking exploits of a US priest round out the show. Happy Easter and thanks for listening.
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Station XV: Episode 148 — COVID, Cardinal, Celebration, Commemoration
The news has been coming thick and fast on the COVID-19 pandemic, including as it relates to Masses and other public gatherings. Anna, Don, Gavin and James try to keep up with it all in this month’s episode. They also look at what happened at the High Court of Australia last week with Cardinal Pell’s attempt to overturn his sexual abuse convictions. In happier news, a new Auxiliary Bishop of Auckland has been ordained, with his deacon father assisting at the Mass — a rare occurrence indeed. Elsewhere in New Zealand, the first anniversary of the Christchurch mosque shooting has been marked. All that, plus some Lenten advice, on this show.
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Station XV: Episode 147 — Exhortation, Celebration, Consecration and Conversion
Two big moments from Pope Francis — his new apostolic exhortation Querida Amazonia and his decision to turn a Roman palace into a homeless shelter feature in this month’s episode of The 15th Station. Two New Zealand issues fall in between those: Cardinal John Dew’s case for religious freedom and the decline in the number of religious sisters in the country, although that picture is complicated. What’s also complicated is a decision to grant “ethical vegans” the same rights as people of faith. Join Anna, Don, Gavin and James for a typically robust discussion.
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Station XV: Episode 146 — Bushfires, Books, Baptism and Barenaked Worship
The devastating bushfires that have ravaged many parts of Australia lead this month’s episode. The Church and its agencies are working closely to support people and communities that have been affected. Listeners looking to offer support can donate via the St Vincent de Paul Society‘s website. The big story out of Rome is a new book on celibacy, which features the writings of Cardinal Robert Sarah and Pope Emeritus Benedict. Why’s it so controversial? Listen to what the panel thinks. Don, James and Gavin also discuss infant Baptism, a debate over school funding in New Zealand and the “Come As You Are” approach of one US church. Thanks for listening and for your prayers and support.
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