Station XV: Episode 190 — Six, Synod, Shift, Strickland, Sister
After a long wait, New Zealand now has a full complement of six bishops, with a new Bishop of Hamilton named. Bishops have also been busy in Rome for the Synod of Bishops, while one US bishop in particular now has a lot more time on his hands. His episcopal leadership has undergone what might be called a “paradigm shift”, if that term isn’t reserved exclusively for a new approach to theology. Meanwhile, in France, a religious sister just shifted someone who was protesting the construction of a new religious building. Join Anna, Cam, Don and James for a fast-paced trip around the Catholic world.
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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 174 – Constitution, Cardinal, Children, Concern, Commandments
The Catholic world has (as always) had some big news stories over the past month, led by the leaked US Supreme Court opinion foreshadowing an overturning of Roe v Wade. Elsewhere, the arrest of a 90-year-old cardinal sent shockwaves through some parts of the Church (and the wider society), and Pope Francis has again spoken about God’s care for LGBT Catholics. In New Zealand, there are concerns about attitudes towards blasphemy, but deeper concerns about Bible editing skills. All in a (tardy) episode, due to COVID-19.
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Station XV: Episode 169 — COVID, Communion, Canada, Christmas
It’s a globe-trotting Christmas edition of The 15th Station, as the panel starts in New Zealand, assessing the country’s liturgical restrictions under COVID-19, before heading to the United States and the long-awaited and much-discussed document on the Eucharist. In Switzerland, the Church has initiated research into the abuse crisis from the 1950s onwards, while in Canada the bishops have spoken out strongly against moves to legalise prostitution — citing the New Zealand experience in their letter. Just a warning that the discussion on the prostitution push is quite “adult”, so might not be great for kids. Our final story on Santa Claus (and if he’s real) might also be difficult for children, but for different reasons. We wish you all a happy and holy Christmas season.
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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 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 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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Station XV: Episode 134 — Security, Celibacy, Identity and Charity
The Church in the United States, New Zealand and Germany is grappling with a number of big issues, with the southern US border and the impending New Zealand Royal Commission into child sexual abuse headlining this month’s show. The German bishops are looking at the issue of celibacy, framing their rethink of the discipline as a response to the abuse crisis. In New Zealand, Catholic schools are trying to find authentic, pastoral responses to the issue of gender dysphoria, while back in America, a priest is enjoying spreading some Christmas joy — all year long. Join Anna, James and Gavin, and the returning Don, for this globetrotting episode.
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Station XV: Episode 115 — Easter sorrows and joys
On the eve of Easter, the Christian community in Egypt was rocked by another deadly attack on their places of worship, with dozens killed and dozens more injured during services on Palm Sunday. The attacks came as the Middle East, Syria in particular, continues to be a hotbed of death and destruction. There was some joy in New Zealand, with the final profession of the first De La Salle Brother in 20 years, and the generosity of service of altar server in his 40s also brings a smile to faces after the difficulty of other stories. Join Anna, Don, James and Gavin in this Easter episode of The 15th Station, We wish you all a happy and blessed Easter season.
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