Arlington Carmelites in controversy

The Vatican has reversed the dismissal of the prioress of the Order of Discalced Carmelite in Arlington, Texas, after a yearlong Mother Superior Teresa Agnes Gerlach, front, and another member of the community are pictured in this undated photo

Vatican accepts appeal of Arlington Carmelite dismissed from order

In statements and decrees posted to the Diocese of Fort Worth website, Bishop Michael Olson announced the Vatican accepted Mother Teresa Agnes Gerlach's appeal and nullified her dismissal from the order of Carmelites.  

The gates of the Monastery of the Most Holy Trinity in Arlington, Texas, home of the Discalced Carmelite nuns, are seen Aug. 10, 2023. The nuns have been in a dispute with the bishop of Fort Worth for more than a year.

Arlington Carmelite nuns withdraw request, lawyers for Fort Worth bishop say

By Marissa Greene, Fort Worth Report
The gates of the Monastery of the Most Holy Trinity in Arlington, Texas, home of the Discalced Carmelite nuns, are seen Aug. 10, 2023. The nuns have been in a dispute with the bishop of Fort Worth for more than a year.

Arlington Carmelites file restraining order request on bishop, diocese

By Dan Stockman
The Monastery of the Most Holy Trinity, home to the Discalced Carmelite Nuns in Arlington, Texas, comprises 72 acres worth $5 million.

Law experts weigh in on Arlington monastery dispute between Fort Worth bishop, nuns

By Marissa Greene, Fort Worth Report

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Editorial: Bishop Olson's actions against the Carmelite sisters are an abusive power play

Bishop says Carmelite nun may be excommunicated due to 'schismatic actions'

Texas Carmelites say they no longer recognize Bishop Olson's authority

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Reverend Mother Teresa Agnes of Jesus Crucified Gerlach, a longtime member of the Order of Discalced Carmelites, and Bishop Michael Olson of Fort Worth, Texas, are pictured in a combination photo. The nuns announced they will not appeal the dismissal of their civil lawsuit so they can pursue a canonical appeal at the Vatican. (OSV News/Courtesy Matthew Bobo/Bob Roller)

Texas Carmelites drop appeal of civil case's dismissal to focus on Vatican case

The lawsuit was dismissed June 30 when a county court in Texas ruled the allegations from the Carmelite monastery involved church matters, not civil law issues. 

ByDan Stockman
Reverend Mother Teresa Agnes of Jesus Crucified Gerlach (left), a longtime member of the Order of Discalced Carmelites, and Bishop Michael Olson of Fort Worth, Texas (OSV News/Courtesy of Matthew Bobo/Bob Roller)

Carmelite case against Fort Worth bishop dismissed as police close related investigation

On June 30, Texas judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by Carmelite nuns against Fort Worth Bishop Michael Olson. That same day, police announced they had closed their investigation without recommending criminal charges.

ByOSV News
Mother Superior Teresa Agnes Gerlach, front, and another member of the Order of Discalced Carmelite in Arlington, Texas, are pictured in this undated photo.

Arlington nun's conversation with Fort Worth bishop played in court

In a packed Tarrant County courtroom on June 27, the Catholic Diocese's attorney played an audio recording of a nun explaining to the bishop her relationship with a priest. 

ByMarissa Greene, Fort Worth Report
Mother Superior Teresa Agnes Gerlach, front, and another member of the Order of Discalced Carmelite in Arlington, Texas, are pictured in this undated photo.

Allegations of adultery and abuse of power embroil Texas bishop, Carmelite monastery in complex scandal

Fort Worth bishop takes over a Carmelite monastery and accuses cloistered nun of adultery with a priest. Discalced Carmelite Nuns say the bishop does not have authority over them and call his actions a land grab.

 

ByDan Stockman
Bishop Michael F. Olson of Fort Worth, Texas, delivers remarks at St. Sophia Ukrainian Catholic Church in The Colony, Texas, March 6, 2022, during a prayer service for peace in Ukraine. (CNS photo/Juan Guajardo, North Texas Catholic)
Vatican News

Vatican gives Texas bishop 'full governing powers' over Carmelite convent

The Holy See has declared Bishop Michael Olson of Fort Worth to be "pontifical commissary" of the Monastery of Saint Joseph of the Discalced Carmelite Nuns, according to a decree from the dicastery for religious life, dated May 31, 2023 and published on the website of the Diocese of Fort Worth. Olson "will assume his office upon communication" of the decree, it said.

ByOSV News

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