In the first episode of 2012, the panel chats about Pope Benedict’s speech to bishops from New Zealand and the Pacific, his speech to the dozens of ambassadors to the Vatican and the surging Catholic candidate for the Republican presidential candidate. We also talk about the “head-hunting” of an Australian priest to be the new rector of the New Zealand diocesan seminary. For some additional reading, here’s a link to a piece on former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum. And for some additional listening, here’s an ABC Radio interview with Msgr Peter Jeffrey.

The post Station 15: Episode 52 — Pope speaks to NZ bishops…and the world appeared first on The 15th Station.

In this month’s episode of The 15th Station, the two-man panel of James and Gavin connects from each side of the Tasman Sea to discuss some of the big stories of the past month. The New Zealand bishops are in Rome for their ad limina visit, there’s talk of a full diocesan seminary in Auckland and we reflect on what Catholic News Service has found to be the biggest stories of 2011. There’s also time to chat about a complicated situation in New South Wales about admission protocols for a Catholic school in New South Wales, but we finish with a story that even brought a smile to the Pope’s face. On behalf of the team that makes The 15th Station possible, we wish you all a Happy and Holy Christmas and best wishes for a great 2011 — with more Station 15 podcasts as your New Year’s Resolution.

The post Station XV: Episode 51 — Happy news, smiling Pope, Happy Christmas appeared first on The 15th Station.

In this, the 50th episode of The 15th Station, the panel discusses the upcoming New Zealand general election, including the views of the two main parties’ leaders on a contentious moral issue, as well as changes to the closeness of Catholics to Britain’s throne, a call for better homilies and plea from bishops in the US to parishioners that they don’t “pack heat” when they head to church. Never a dull moment on the 50th episode of New Zealand’s first Catholic podcast.

The post Station XV: Episode 50 — Elections, succession and ammunition appeared first on The 15th Station.

In this month’s episode of The 15th Station, our transTasman panel talks about Pope Benedict’s recent trip to his homeland, the uncertainty over Christchurch’s Catholic cathedral and the hype surrounding the death of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. We also touch on two very different stories: A priest in Ireland returning to ministry after being falsely accused of rape and an Anglican church in Wellington portraying Jesus as an rugby-ball toting All Black. All in a month’s work.

The post Station XV: Episode 49 — Pope goes home, St Steve Jobs? appeared first on The 15th Station.

In this week’s episode of The 15th Station, the panel spans the Tasman Sea — and so do the stories up for discussion. In Australia, a senator has used parliamentary privilege to name a priest accused of rape 50 years ago. In New Zealand, Rugby World Cup fever seems to have carried over into the Church. We also talk about eating with the Pope, and changing the way we record the date. All in our inaugural international episode.

The post Station XV: Episode 48 — Name and shame, wine and dine appeared first on The 15th Station.

In our fourth birthday episode, we discuss the ongoing saga in Ireland as the Church there continues to battle through the sex abuse crisis and its fallout. Stinging criticism from the Irish Prime Minister and the Archbishop of Dublin’s response are on the agenda, as is the subsequent suggestion that priests should be forced to disclose confessions of those admitting to having abused children. On a happier note, we preview this week’s World Youth Day in Madrid and check out a new website causing a stir in Germany.

The post Station XV: Episode 47 — Irish eyes aren’t smiling appeared first on The 15th Station.

A prominent New Zealand lawyer calls for a “Vatican II-type council”, Pope Benedict sends his first tweet and a perfumier in the United States launches “Benedictus” cologne to mark the 60th anniversary of Pope Benedict XVI’s ordination to the priesthood. Those stories, plus a bishop’s quest for vocations and a government official sticking up for Christians in this month’s episode of The 15th Station.

The post Station XV: Episode 46 — Vatican III, Vatican Tweet and Vatican Scent appeared first on The 15th Station.

In this month’s episode, Pope Benedict is making his presence felt to the ends of the earth — and beyond. We discuss his visit to Croatia, his conversation with astronauts and him being featured on American breakfast TV. We also look at how a priest shortage might impact schools and a billboard controversy in Australia. A busy show!!

The post Station XV – Episode 45: Benedict in Croatia and at the breakfast table appeared first on The 15th Station.

In this month’s episode of The 15th Station, there’s the usual mix of good and bad news as we cover the wonderful occasion marking the beatification of Blessed John Paul II, the death of Osama bin Laden, some good news for the Catholic Church in New Zealand and a couple of other stories that caught our eye. We hope you enjoy the show.

The post Station XV — Episode 44: Blessed John Paul II (and others) appeared first on The 15th Station.

From the persecution of Christians around the world to the burning of the Koran in Florida to episcopal memories from the South Pacific, the Station 15 team travels the world in this month’s episode…

The post Station XV – Episode 43: Prosecution, Persecution and Publication appeared first on The 15th Station.