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

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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.

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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.

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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  

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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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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.

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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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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 also been movement at the episcopal station in New Zealand, with a new bishop named, and on the global stage, Pope Francis has named 21 new cardinals. Maybe a current seminarian, who captured a bit of fame at World Youth Day in Rio, has a higher calling in his future? Join Anna, Cam, Don and James for a lively chat.

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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 New Caledonia. Sadly, the US is grappling with more gun violence, but a cardinal has proposed a possible way forward. Some might say he’s dreaming, but what might he be dreaming about? Researchers are trying to find out — well, maybe not the cardinal’s dreams, but the dreams of Christians. Join Cam, Don, Gavin and James for this month’s trip around the world.

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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.

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