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 160 — Two Popes, a Prime Minister and some seagulls
Pope Francis’ historic and courageous trip to Iraq and reflections on Pope Benedict’s historic resignation from the papacy eight years ago feature prominently in this month’s episode. There’s also an ongoing debate in Australia about religious freedom as it relates to employment, including in schools. A former prime minister has entered the fray. Maybe a quick flick through the Bible will help all of us feel a little better? A flock of seagulls (not the band) is certainly not helping in Christchurch. Yes, it’s a little weird and wonderful as Anna, Don, James and Gavin come together this month.
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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 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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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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