The 15th Station Podcast: Recent Episodes
The 15th Station Team
In New Zealand, we often tell someone we’ll “see you later”, rather than saying “goodbye”. And as we work our way through Advent 2024, more than 17 years after James uttered those now well-known words “You’re tuned to The 15th Station, New Zealand’s first Catholic podcast”, it’s time to say “see you later”.
On this final episode using our current format, James, Gavin and Gabriel – three of the four “originals” – are joined by Don and Anna to reminisce and to celebrate the years of digital ministry together. There’s even some audio from that first episode; we’re grateful the quality improved over the years.
As we explain in the episode, there will be other projects that Station 15 alumni will continue to be part of. What shape those projects will take is still emerging.
As the proverbial curtain comes down on this 17-year mission, we give thanks for what we’ve been able to achieve. And we give thanks for those who have walked the journey with us. We wish you all a happy and holy Christmas season and how that our paths cross again some day.
With every blessing,
The 15th Station team
The post Station XV: Episode 194 — So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, adieu appeared first on The 15th Station.
Pope Francis’ first trip to the Oceania region headlines this month’s episode, as the Pontiff prepares to visit Papua New Guinea, as well as East Timor, Indonesia and Singapore on the longest trip of his pontificate. It’s also been a long time coming for a new document on human dignity, in which the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith tackles some major social issues. In France, the number of adults becoming Catholic has been surging. What might be the cause? Are they showing courage? That’s what Pope Francis is calling Christians to exhibit. And we’re sure the Holy Father doesn’t want people stealing anything. Join Anna, Cam, Don, Gavin and James for this unpredictable journey through the Catholic world.
The post Station XV: Episode 193 — Pope to Papua (New Guinea), Paris, Patrick appeared first on The 15th Station.
New Zealand’s lone cardinal has been the subject of allegations of abuse in the 1970s, with the allegations aired publicly despite police saying they won’t proceed with charges. It’s a challenging opening for Anna, Don, Cameron and James this month, but there are reasons for hope as a study finds young people are inclined to believe in God and Pope Francis is preparing to mark Holy Thursday by visiting a prison. The Holy Father has also spoken out again about gender ideology, saying it’s a great challenge. Apparently an advertisement featuring Jesus has been a challenge for some other people. Enjoy this month’s episode, and best wishes for a happy and holy Easter.
The post Station XV: Episode 192 — Allegations, Attitudes, Anthropology, Advertising appeared first on The 15th Station.
In our first episode of 2024, we dive into the Church controversy that ended 2023 — the issuance of a Vatican “declaration” on blessings for people in “irregular” relationships. What did the declaration say? How has it been received? Why was there such an uproar? Anna, Cam, James and Gavin try to unpack that, and also check in on the bishops in New Zealand, who have sent a document on Catholic teaching to the country’s politicians. In Christchurch, Bishop Michael Gielen has declared his intentions on the city’s new cathedral, while waiting to hear from his people. In Ireland, the bishops want to see people back at Mass, while in the UK there are fears AI might replace priests. We’re not so worried, though
The post Station XV: Episode 191 — Blessing, Reading, Deciding, Writing appeared first on The 15th Station.
Unfortunately we won’t be able to record a Christmas episode for 2023 as sickness has beset The 15th Station team, and we just haven’t been able to get well enough to put on a show this month. We’re sad…but at the same time, we’re happy to have spent another year talking faith and news with you all. We pray that all of you have a wonderful, blessed and holy Christmas season, and we thank you for tuning in! See you in 2024.
The post Happy Christmas from The 15th Station appeared first on The 15th Station.
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.
The post Station XV: Episode 190 — Six, Synod, Shift, Strickland, Sister appeared first on The 15th Station.
It’s possible that The 15th Station has more listeners than Mongolia has Catholics, but that didn’t stop Pope Francis from heading to the Asian nation to support them in their faith life. The visit garnered positive coverage, as opposed to some comments the Pope made about Russia — which have been heavily criticised by Ukrainians. In New Zealand, a former political leader has reflected on how his Catholicism intertwined with his political life, and plans are underway for the introduction of a new Lectionary to be used at Mass. If all else fails, we can head to the moon (and back). Join Anna, Cameron, Don and James for this month’s episode.
The post Station XV: Episode 189 — Mongolia, Muller, Mass, Moscow, Moon appeared first on The 15th Station.
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 ...
The post Station XV: Episode 188 — Our Sweet Sixteen appeared first on The 15th Station.
Some significant developments in the Synod on Synodality dominate this month’s episode, with the release of the Synod working document and the announcement of the Synod participants — including dozens of lay people — offering much to ponder. There has ...
The post Station XV: Episode 187 — Laity, Religious, Bishop, Cardinal, Seminarian appeared first on The 15th Station.
This month’s show is anything but compact, but we start with news of a Vatican compact on the family, encouraging its flourishing in society. In the Pacific, Catholic education is growing in New Zealand, but has been under threat in ...
The post Station XV: Episode 186 — Compact, College, (New) Caledonia, Cardinal, Christians appeared first on The 15th Station.
If you’re looking for a list of the countries in the Pacific, you’ve come to the right place as the panel discusses the Oceania Bishops’ response to the Synod of Bishops working document, Enlarge the Space of Your Tent. The Oceania response uncovered differences between the countries as they prepare for the Synod assemblies, which will have a more diverse membership than ever before. Diversity appears to be an issue for one Australian government, though, as it moves to take over a Catholic hospital, while in New Zealand it’s time for some semblance of retirement for Cardinal John Dew. That should give him more time to spend on Instagram, maybe keeping up with Sr Elizabete, the myth-busting nun in Brazil.
The post Station XV: Episode 185 – Continent (of Oceania), Calvary, Cardinal, Convent appeared first on The 15th Station.
In this month’s episode, a couple of controversies lead our lineup — an attempt to block the construction of a new cathedral in New Zealand and the repudiation of a 15th-century doctrine. Things don’t get much less complicated as the panel discusses the resignation of a key child protection figure, but most people can get behind the new King and some furry friends, right? Listen to find out, as we welcome a new member of the panel, with Cameron joining James, Don and Anna on our Easter episode. Enjoy.
The post Station XV: Episode 184 — Christchurch, Colonialism, Commission, Coronation appeared first on The 15th Station.
There’s a bit of a revolving door for the panel this month as we reflect on 10 years of Pope Francis, with most suggesting it’s been a mixed bag (including The Washington Post). In Germany, the Church appears to be pursuing some practices that veer away from Catholic teaching, but in Australia it’s just all-out offence that is the concern. The Scottish bishops are trying to insert some sanity back into politics, while Pamela Anderson shares her prayer habits. Thanks for joining Anna, Don, James and Gavin for another chat around the virtual water cooler.
The post Station XV: Episode 183 — Pope, Project, Politics, Pamela appeared first on The 15th Station.
The bishops from around the Pacific have gathered for a major meeting, with climate change among the key topics on the agenda. On the other side of the world, Pope Francis has again found himself having to explain comments he made in a media interview, this time on homosexuality and sin. Things appeared a little clearer in Australia, for a gathering of people focused on parish renewal, and in Nigeria, where a cardinal has tried to share the secrets of the country’s high Mass attendance. And in our light story for the month, Anna, Don and James discuss – no, seriously – middle fingers. Ne’er a dull moment on The 15th Station.
The post Station XV: Episode 182 – Pacific, Pope, Parishes, Practice appeared first on The 15th Station.
2023 starts off on a fairly sombre note, with the panel covering the deaths of two Church heavyweights — Pope Benedict for the Church globally and Cardinal George Pell for the Church in Australia and New Zealand (and beyond). The panel reflects on their legacies, which many are saying are mixed. Anna, Don, James and Gavin also discuss pledges from the Church in New Zealand in the area of abuse, the missionaries who died in 2022 while serving the Church and Lionel Messi’s plans for a pilgrimage to thank Our Lady for Argentina winning the Football World Cup.
The post Station XV: Episode 181 — Pope, Pell, Pledges, Pilgrimage appeared first on The 15th Station.
For the Christmas episode, it’s a typically international look at the life of the Church. The panels globetrot from Australia, where hard choices are being made on pastoral care for those accessing euthanasia, to the Christmas scenes in Rome and a call to prayer in New Zealand. A new Pew Research report assesses how religious practice was affected during COVID, including through violence, and we end with some more violence — by someone dressed up as a Christmas tree. No, seriously. We wish the Station 15 family a happy and holy Christmas.
The post Station XV: Episode 180 — Pastors, Pew, Pope, Prayer, Poland appeared first on The 15th Station.
Don, James and Gavin metaphorically join Pope Francis on his Middle East trip, assessing the impact of his time in Bahrain. In New Zealand, men attending a retreat have been urged to stand up against relativism by a former bishop, ...
The post Station XV: Episode 179 — Abstinence, Bahrain, Campbell, Dioceses, Enlarging appeared first on The 15th Station.
As the world — and especially the Commonwealth and the Christian world — stopped to mourn the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Catholic leaders featured prominently at her funeral. She was remembered as a woman of deep faith, among other ...
The post Station XV: Episode 178 — Queen, Quitting, Quake, Quirkiness appeared first on The 15th Station.
As The 15th Station team celebrates 15 years of podcasting, it’s a typically global issue as this month’s stories take us to the New Zealand capital, to Canada, Germany and Italy. There are some uplifting stories, some confronting ones and ...
The post Station XV: Episode 177 — 15 Years Young appeared first on The 15th Station.
Pope Francis has urged Catholics to better understand the sacrifice of the Mass — which is something the Station 15 panel can certainly get behind. The Pope has also made headlines with the commitment to appoint women to the panel ...
The post Station XV: Episode 176 — Sacrifice, Synod, Census, Sisters appeared first on The 15th Station.
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 ...
The post Station XV: Episode 175 – Persecution, Pelosi, Palliation, Prayer appeared first on The 15th Station.
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 ...
The post Station XV: Episode 174 – Constitution, Cardinal, Children, Concern, Commandments appeared first on The 15th Station.
Once again, the horror and violence in the Ukraine leads this month’s episode, with Pope Francis calling for a truce over the Easter feast. In New Zealand, there’s a sense of disappointment as the Vatican rules a cure that had ...
The post Station XV: Episode 173 – Truce, Trinity, Transfer, Transgression appeared first on The 15th Station.
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 ...
The post Station XV: Episode 172 – Mediation, Vocation, Resignation, Termination appeared first on The 15th Station.
It’s not the most uplifting line-up of stories, but the panel tackles a range of important topics this month. In New Zealand, data has been released on abuse within the Church, as well as on the number of people accessing ...
The post Station XV: Episode 171 – Data, Papa, Papa, Data, Pater appeared first on The 15th Station.
New Zealand’s largest diocese has a new bishop — a worthy story to kick off a new year for The 15th Station. Pope Francis has also been busy to start 2022, speaking out against violence against women, and also encouraging ...
The post Station XV: Episode 170 — Peace and Pets, Witness and Weather appeared first on The 15th Station.
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 post Station XV: Episode 169 — COVID, Communion, Canada, Christmas appeared first on The 15th Station.
Much of this month’s episode focuses on the South Pacific, with new euthanasia laws in New Zealand, proposed religious freedom laws in Australia, a Tongan cardinal and a possible papal visit to the Pacific finding their way into the lineup. ...
The post Station XV: Episode 168 — Life, Listening, Laws, Las Vegas appeared first on The 15th Station.
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 ...
The post Station XV: Episode 167 — Council, Conversion, Communion, Conclave appeared first on The 15th Station.
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 ...
The post Station XV: Episode 166 — Attack, Assisted Dying, Afghanistan, Activity appeared first on The 15th Station.
In a special treat for 15th Station listeners, James interviews Auckland Auxiliary Bishop Michael Gielen as New Zealand marks its patronal feast day: the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. That was why this podcast launched on August 15 — ...
The post Station XV: Birthday Interview with Bishop Gielen appeared first on The 15th Station.
As The 15th Station celebrates our 14th birthday, we open the episode with a special guest: Auckland Auxiliary Bishop Michael Gielen. Bishop Michael talks with James about COVID-19, the re-dedication of New Zealand to Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and ...
The post Station XV: Episode 165 — Our 14th Birthday!! appeared first on The 15th Station.
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, ...
The post Station XV: Episode 164 — Eucharist and University, Hospital and Hero appeared first on The 15th Station.
Pope Francis has just announced that there will be a three-year buildup to the next Synod of Bishops, inviting Catholics around the world to share their thoughts on Church affairs. Will it be a valuable process? Or just set people ...
The post Station XV: Episode 163 — Consultation, Cardinal, Canada, Canon Law appeared first on The 15th Station.
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 ...
The post Station XV: Episode 162 — Communion, Conscience, Cathedral, Careerism appeared first on The 15th Station.
New Zealand’s Royal Commission into abuse in care continues to dominate the Church’s agenda, with Cardinal John Dew issuing an apology on behalf of dioceses and religious orders. In Rome, there has been some clarity offered around the Church’s inability ...
The post Station XV: Episode 161 — Sorrow, Surety, Suffering, Shrine appeared first on The 15th Station.
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 ...
The post Station XV: Episode 160 — Two Popes, a Prime Minister and some seagulls appeared first on The 15th Station.
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, ...
The post Station XV: Episode 159 — Division, Rejection, Conversion, Confusion appeared first on The 15th Station.
The violent protests at the Capitol building in Washington, DC shocked the world, including many prominent Catholic leaders, as well as our panel. What does it all mean? Who was at fault? Anna, Don, James and Gavin seek to answer ...
The post Station XV: Episode 158 — Capitol, COVID, Coadjutor, Chesterton appeared first on The 15th Station.
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 ...
The post Station XV: Episode 157 — Commission, Coronavirus, Cardinal, Christmas Card appeared first on The 15th Station.
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 ...
The post Station XV: Episode 156 — Referendum, Result, Report and Recipes appeared first on The 15th Station.
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 ...
The post Station XV: Episode 155 — Papal Ponderings, Politics, Prayer, Pell and Pews appeared first on The 15th Station.
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.
The post Station XV: Episode 154 — Euthanasia, Election, Eucharist, Encyclical, Escape appeared first on The 15th Station.
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.
The post Station XV: Episode 153 — The Podcast Becomes an Unruly Teenager appeared first on The 15th Station.
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.
The post Station XV: Episode 152 — Mosque, Matters, Marijuana, Murals appeared first on The 15th Station.