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 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 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 142 — Appeal, Schism, Renewal, Technology
Cardinal George Pell’s unsuccessful appeal on his conviction for historical child sexual abuse leads this month’s episode. Anna, Don, James and Gavin consider the outcome and what might come next. Pope Francis has spoken about the prospect of schism within the Church, while in New Zealand a Marist priest is more focused on renewal. And technology — the Australian bishops’ statement on social media and the emergence of robotic preachers — rounds out the show. Thanks for listening and tell a friend 🙂
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Station XV: Episode 141 — Happy birthday, unhappy topics
As The 15th Station team celebrates its 12th birthday, it’s not an entirely happy occasion as topics like abortion, an earthquake-ravaged cathedral, mass shootings and clerical sexual abuse all feature in one way or another. Although that probably reflects some of the more regular topics that the show has covered during those years. Join Anna, Don, James and Gavin as they review those stories and reflect on 12 years of podcasting. And thanks for being part of the Station 15 family over these years.
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Station XV: Episode 130 — Abolition, Resignation, Sanctification, Vocation and CELEBRATION!!
There are many serious topics on this month’s agenda, but the episode starts with a celebration of 11 years of The 15th Station. The reminiscing gives way to the important discussion of a change to the Church’s official teaching on the death penalty and the resignations of two senior Catholic leaders. Despite the challenges the Church is facing in many places, Auckland Bishop Patrick Dunn has urged young people to strive for holiness, which is what an Irish priest is also hoping will be a fruit of Pope Francis’ upcoming trip to the country this month. Join Anna, James and Gavin for our birthday episode — and if you want to give us a birthday present, tell your friends about the show 🙂
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Station XV: Episode 129 — Confession, Concession, Courts and Confusion
The Catholic Church in New Zealand and Australia is under pressure to change the way it approaches the seal of Confession, with governments in both countries wondering if removing the seal would stem child sexual abuse. Bishops in both countries have a clear answer: “No.” In the US, President Trump is pushing ahead with his second Supreme Court nominee in Catholic Brett Kavanaugh. Another president, Filipino Rodrigo Duterte, is also making headlines for his name-calling and his curious theology, while the NZ bishops are also wondering how their theology is helping (or hurting) the Church’s evangelisation efforts. A Baptist church, however, is just wondering how they can show the face — and body — of Jesus to the world, literally. Join Anna, James and Gavin for this month’s episode of The 15th Station.
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Station XV: Episode 128 — Conviction, Courage, Communion and Commando (priest)
The conviction of an Australian archbishop of failing to disclose child sexual abuse leads this month’s show, with Anna, James and Gavin seeking to navigate the complex case of Archbishop Philip Wilson. In New Zealand, in Rome and in South America, there’s a call for courage — among Kiwi seminarians, but also among those seeking to find solutions to the priestly shortage in places like the Amazon. Pope Francis has called for the German bishops to think again about their plans to allow inter-Communion for the spouses of Catholics, while in the US, a priest is showing off his spirit, as well as his physical gifts, in the show Ninja Warrior. It’s another eclectic journey through the Catholic Church.
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Station XV: Episode 118 — 10 Years, 118 Shows, One Church
As The 15th Station celebrates its 10th birthday, there’s time for a little trip down memory lane and a chance to welcome back some friends — old and new. But it’s not all reminiscing, with several big stories to discuss. In New Zealand, there’s celebration to be had as three new priests were ordained for the Diocese of Christchurch. New Zealand is also currently grappling with the possibility of euthanasia, but a new report doesn’t recommend it as the right way forward. There’s also social change on the Australian agenda, with same-sex marriage about to be considered by the people and the Parliament. In the northern hemisphere, a US bishop is calling for humane treatment of migrants. And in Wales, a case of mistaken identity meant it was free drinks all round. Join James, George, Anna, Gabriel and Gavin for opinions and reflections.
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Station XV: Episode 112 — New year, new approach, new relationship, new lyrics
Pope Francis has expressed optimism that 2017 can be a good year while also acknowledging the deadly start to the year in Turkey and the challenge of people embracing peace and rejecting hatred. The Pope has also called for bishops to redouble their efforts in stamping out child sexual abuse in the Church. The Vatican is looking to strengthen ties with China, but China has its own views of how the Church should be allowed to operate in the Communist country. Cardinal John Dew wants to strengthen the Church’s ties with young people, showing them what a life in service of others can offer. In Sri Lanka, a Christmas carol service offered something a bit different, with the wrong Hail Mary lyrics printed in the hymn booklet. Join Don, James and Gavin for another wide-ranging episode of The 15th Station.
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