Station XV: Episode 188 — Our Sweet Sixteen
The sixth World Youth Day during the life of The 15th Station features prominently on our 16th birthday episode, with the panel reflecting on the gathering in Lisbon as well as the choice of South Korea to host the next event in 2027. Don, Anna, James and Gavin also discuss changing habits in terms of practising the faith, and Pope Francis’ exhortation for parents to nurture the faith of their children. An Australian priest is trying to do the same via social media. We also take some time to reflect on the podcast’s history — and thank our listeners for walking with us, whether it’s for one episode or 188.
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Station XV: Episode 175 – Persecution, Pelosi, Palliation, Prayer
The episode is a real mixture of joy and sadness, as we traverse the globe for this month’s stories. Starting close to home, there’s news of the appointment of a Bishop of Christchurch, but in Africa, the news of another attack on a Catholic church and dozens of worshippers is maddening and sickening. In the US, Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone’s decision to ban House Speaker Nancy Pelosi from receiving communion has created a stir, while back Down Under there are concerns people won’t get the health care they need because of fears about euthanasia. Maybe we just need to pray about it and have a stiff drink — like the Venezuelan man in our light story. Enjoy the show, and keep up with your own prayers for our world.
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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: 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 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 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 140 — The Conundrum Episode
It’s an episode of head-scratchers and what analysts often refer to as “wicked” policy problems. How should we — society generally, and Catholics — respond to the plight of desperate people seeking a new home? How should bishops respond to changing demographics and the needs of the faithful? Should the Church allow its facilities to be memorial sites for survivors of child sexual abuse? The seal of Confession and attempts to sanctify a crime-ridden city seem somewhat straightforward by comparison. Join Anna, Donald, James and Gavin for our latest episode.
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