The Vatican has declared a Texas monastery “extinct” following a scandalous breach of chastity vows, igniting a fierce dispute between nuns and their bishop.
At a Glance
- Vatican suppresses Carmelite Monastery in Arlington, Texas, due to chastity vow violation
- Reverend Mother Teresa Gerlach admitted to an online affair with a priest
- Bishop Michael Olson of Fort Worth announced the suppression, dismissing five nuns
- Former nuns filed a lawsuit against Olson, claiming privacy violations
- Controversy involves $22 million monastery property and accusations of power abuse
Vatican’s Decisive Action
In a startling move, the Vatican has suppressed the Carmelite Monastery of the Most Holy Trinity in Arlington, Texas, following a long-running controversy. Bishop Michael Olson of the Diocese of Fort Worth announced the suppression, which came through a decree from the Holy See. The document, signed by Cardinal João Braz de Aviz and Sister Simona Brambilla, declared the community “extinct” and cited “notorious defection from the Catholic faith” as the reason for this drastic measure.
The suppression has left the monastery without any recognized members. Five nuns were dismissed, and the vows of another member expired, effectively ending the community’s existence. Bishop Olson has emphasized that these women are no longer recognized as nuns or Carmelites and has warned Catholics against attending Mass at the former monastery.
The Scandal Unfolds
The controversy that led to this unprecedented action began with an investigation into Reverend Mother Teresa Agnes Gerlach. The former prioress admitted to engaging in an affair with a priest, violating her vow of chastity. This admission sparked a chain of events that would ultimately lead to the monastery’s dissolution.
The Vatican has suppressed the Carmelite Monastery of the Most Holy Trinity in Arlington, Texas, following a long-running controversy that began with a diocesan investigation into allegations that the prioress had broken her vow of chastity. https://t.co/T00qm3kZ3e
— Catholic News Agency (@cnalive) December 2, 2024
In April 2023, Gerlach reportedly self-reported an online affair with retired Father Philip Johnson. She confessed to sexual misconduct via video chat but maintained that nothing happened in person. Bishop Olson accused Gerlach of breaking her chastity vows and violating the Sixth Commandment, setting the stage for a contentious battle between the diocese and the monastery.
Legal Battles and Accusations
The situation escalated when six nuns and two in training rallied to defend Gerlach. They filed a $1 million lawsuit against Bishop Olson, alleging violations of privacy and harm to their well-being. However, this legal action was dismissed in June 2023, dealing a blow to the nuns’ efforts to resist the diocese’s actions.
Attorney Matthew Bobo, representing Gerlach and the nuns, has accused Bishop Olson of abusing his power and attempting a land grab. Bobo claims that Olson’s investigation was aimed at taking over the monastery’s 72-acre property, valued at a staggering $22 million. The diocese has vehemently denied any interest in acquiring the Arlington land, but the accusations have added fuel to an already heated conflict.
Vatican’s Response and Future Implications
In response to the ongoing turmoil, the Vatican appointed the Association of Christ the King to oversee the monastery. However, the women defied this order and instead associated with the Society of St. Pius X, further complicating the situation. Mother Marie of the Incarnation subsequently announced the dismissal of the women from the Order of Discalced Carmelites, solidifying their separation from the Church.
The Vatican has suppressed a controversial Texas Carmelite monastery — but questions remain about the monastery's property.https://t.co/2a0Rf6axGG
— The Pillar (@PillarCatholic) December 2, 2024
Bishop Olson has stated that the diocese’s response was guided by charity and patience, and he has called for prayers for the former nuns. The Vatican’s dicastery has expressed gratitude to Olson for his service and echoed the call for prayers, hoping for the former nuns’ return to the Church.
As this extraordinary situation continues to unfold, it raises questions about the future of religious orders and the handling of internal conflicts within the Catholic Church. The suppression of the Carmelite Monastery in Arlington serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences that can arise from violations of religious vows and the complex interplay between spiritual authority and secular concerns.
