Nuns in Arlington expelled from religious life in months-long dispute with Fort Worth bishop

Carmelite nuns in Arlington, who have been at the center of months-long discussions with the Diocese of Fort Worth and the Vatican, have been removed from religious life, according to the statement on the diocese’s website.

expression It comes from Mother Marie of the Incarnation, the Vatican-appointed authority over the nuns at the convent and the Convent of the Most Holy Trinity.

“I ask for your continued prayers and sacrifices on behalf of these seven women who returned to ordinary statehood through their own actions,” the statement released on Monday said. “Our only wish is that the deposed members of Carmel will repent, so that the monastery property can rightfully be called again as a convent inhabited by Discalced Carmelite Nuns, canonically in good standing with the Church of Rome. Please pray for me for this intention.”

The nuns hold their ground. One of the sisters told the Star-Telegram via text message that they weren’t going anywhere.

“We are absolutely not going anywhere. This monastery and this community of Carmelite Nuns belong to our Lord. It is He who helps us overcome these unjust acts committed against us,” the message said.

The nuns have been locked in a dispute with the Diocese of Fort Worth and the Vatican for more than a year. It all started when Bishop Michael Olson investigated a report that the nuns’ leader, Mother Teresa Agnes Gerlach, had broken her vow of chastity with a priest outside the diocese.

The nuns sued Olson over allegations of invasion of privacy and theft of personal property related to his investigation, but a Tarrant County judge threw out the lawsuit, ruling that the case was a church matter.

A few weeks ago, the nuns living at the wooded convent in Arlington transferred ownership of their property to a foundation of philanthropists and supporters.

The nuns did not comment on why they transferred the Most Holy Trinity Monastery to the foundation, but they had previously stated that they did not want Olson and the diocese to sell the property. Olson has stated multiple times and in court testimony that he never intended to do this.

Monastery of the Most Holy Trinity It is currently owned by the Friends of the Discalced Carmelite Nuns in Arlington Inc. The change comes in defiance of a Vatican order in April that placed nuns under the authority of the Society of Jesus the King to manage most day-to-day affairs. monastery.

Rome appointed Mother Marie of the Incarnation, president of the Society of Jesus the King, as supreme superior of Carmel, but the nuns defied Rome’s orders.

Olson reiterated in a statement Monday that “the Diocese of Fort Worth has no claim and has never had any claim to the properties and assets of the Carmelite Monastery in Arlington.” He added that Catholics should not attend Mass or other services at the monastery or “offer financial support to the Carmelite Monastery.”

Nuns published a statement expression On September 14, he said he was aligned with the Society of Saint Pius X, a traditionalist society at odds with the Vatican.

Sister Marie said in an Oct. 1 statement on the Diocese’s website that the society “is currently an irregular canonical relationship” with the church.

“The Society of Christ the King does not support Arlington Carmel’s move beyond the boundaries of open union with Rome, was not consulted on this move, and has not cooperated in any way on this matter,” he wrote.

In another message sent to the Star-Telegram, the sister said there is a Carmel in Spokane, Wa. also St. Under the patronage of Pius X.

“They (Carmel in Spokane) are doing well, and so are we. We thank the association very much. “They know the truth of this situation.”

sisters too announced He said elections were held in August and Mother Teresa Agnes Gerlach was elected as abbot for a three-year term. The election was not allowed by the Society of Jesus the King and Rome.

This is an evolving story.