The Vatican has declared a North Texas Catholic monastery “extinct” following a scandalous breach of chastity vows, igniting a fierce property dispute.
At a Glance
- Vatican suppresses Carmelite Monastery in Arlington, Texas, over chastity breach
- Reverend Mother Teresa Gerlach accused of online affair with a priest
- Bishop Michael Olson announces suppression, warns Catholics against attending Mass at former monastery
- Former nuns file lawsuit against Bishop Olson, claim privacy violations
- Controversy involves valuable $22 million monastery property
Vatican Declares Texas Monastery “Extinct”
The Vatican has taken decisive action in North Texas, suppressing the Carmelite Monastery of the Most Holy Trinity in Arlington due to a controversy involving the prioress breaking her vow of chastity. Bishop Michael Olson of the Diocese of Fort Worth announced the suppression following a decree from the Holy See, effectively declaring the community “extinct” and citing “notorious defection from the Catholic faith.”
The monastery, once a thriving religious community, now finds itself at the center of a scandal that has shocked the Catholic community. With the dismissal of five nuns and the expiration of vows of another member, the monastery has been left without any recognized members.
The Vatican has closed the Carmelite Monastery in Arlington, Texas, after a controversy involving allegations against the prioress of breaking her vow of chastity.https://t.co/Ij3M9v2CC5
— EWTN Vatican (@EWTNVatican) December 3, 2024
Chastity Breach and Ongoing Dispute
The controversy began with an investigation into Reverend Mother Teresa Agnes Gerlach, who admitted to an affair with a priest. According to reports, Gerlach self-reported an online affair with retired Father Philip Johnson in April 2023. She confessed to engaging in 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. This accusation sparked a year-long dispute between Olson and a group of nuns defending their sister. Six nuns and two in training stood by Gerlach, going so far as to file a $1 million lawsuit against Bishop Olson, which was dismissed in June 2023.
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
Legal Battles and Property Disputes
The controversy has escalated beyond religious matters into legal and property disputes. Attorney Matthew Bobo, representing Gerlach and the nuns, has accused Bishop Olson of abusing 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.
These allegations have added a layer of complexity to the already contentious situation. The diocese has vehemently denied any interest in acquiring the Arlington land, but the accusations have fueled speculation and distrust among the faithful.
Aftermath and Implications
In the wake of the suppression, Bishop Olson has emphasized that the women are no longer recognized as nuns or Carmelites. He has warned Catholics against attending Mass at the former monastery, signaling a complete severance of ties between the diocese and the former religious community.
The Vatican has appointed the Association of Christ the King to oversee the monastery, but reports suggest that the women have defied this order and associated with the Society of St. Pius X, further complicating the situation. Mother Marie of the Incarnation has officially announced the dismissal of the women from the Order of Discalced Carmelites, marking a definitive end to their status as recognized nuns.
As the dust settles on this unprecedented situation, the Catholic community in North Texas and beyond is left to grapple with the fallout. 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 dicastery has also expressed gratitude to Olson for his service and echoed the call for prayers, hoping for the former nuns to return to the Church.
