The Vatican has declared a Texas monastery “extinct” amid a scandal involving a nun’s alleged vow violation, sparking controversy and legal battles.
At a Glance
- The Vatican suppressed the Carmelite Monastery in Arlington, Texas, following allegations of misconduct
- Reverend Mother Teresa Gerlach admitted to an online affair with a priest, breaking her vow of chastity
- Bishop Michael Olson of Fort Worth announced the suppression, leading to a $1 million lawsuit by the nuns
- The monastery’s 72-acre property, valued at $22 million, became a point of contention
- The Vatican’s decision has left the monastery with no recognized members
Vatican’s Decisive Action
In a stunning turn of events, the Vatican has taken the extraordinary step of declaring the Carmelite Monastery of the Most Holy Trinity in Arlington, Texas, “extinct.” This decision comes in the wake of a long-running controversy involving the monastery’s prioress, Reverend Mother Teresa Gerlach, who allegedly broke her vow of chastity. Bishop Michael Olson of the Diocese of Fort Worth announced the suppression following a decree from the Holy See, marking a significant moment in the ongoing dispute between the diocese and the convent.
The decree, signed by Cardinal João Braz de Aviz and Sister Simona Brambilla, cited “notorious defection from the Catholic faith” as the reason for the monastery’s suppression. This action effectively leaves the once-thriving religious community without any recognized members, as five nuns were dismissed and the vows of another member expired.
The Controversy Unfolds
The roots of this controversy can be traced back to April 2023, when Reverend Mother Teresa Gerlach reportedly self-reported an online affair with retired Father Philip Johnson. Gerlach confessed to engaging in sexual misconduct via video chat but maintained that nothing happened in person. Bishop Olson, acting on this information, accused Gerlach of breaking her chastity vows and violating the Sixth Commandment.
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 response to Bishop Olson’s actions, six nuns and two in training rallied to defend Gerlach. They filed a $1 million lawsuit against the bishop, alleging violations of privacy and harm to their well-being. However, this legal challenge was dismissed in June 2023, further complicating the already tense situation.
Land Dispute and Allegations
The controversy took an unexpected turn when allegations of a potential land grab surfaced. Matthew Bobo, the attorney representing Gerlach and the nuns, accused Bishop Olson of abusing his power and attempting to seize control of the monastery’s valuable property. The 72-acre site, estimated to be worth $22 million, became a focal point of contention in the ongoing dispute.
Bobo claimed that Olson’s investigation was motivated by a desire to take over the monastery’s land. However, the diocese vehemently denied any interest in acquiring the Arlington property, adding another layer of complexity to the already convoluted situation.
Vatican’s Final Decision
As the controversy continued to escalate, the Vatican took decisive action. The Holy See appointed the Association of Christ the King to oversee the monastery, but the women defied this order and instead associated with the Society of St. Pius X. This defiance led to Mother Marie of the Incarnation announcing the dismissal of the women from the Order of Discalced Carmelites.
Bishop Olson, addressing the situation, emphasized that the diocese’s response was guided by charity and patience. He called for prayers for the former nuns and stressed that they are no longer recognized as nuns or Carmelites. The bishop also warned Catholics against attending Mass at the former monastery, underlining the gravity of the Vatican’s decision.
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
The Vatican’s dicastery expressed gratitude to Bishop Olson for his service throughout this challenging period. They also called for prayers for the former nuns, hoping for their return to the Church. This unprecedented situation serves as a stark reminder of the complex interplay between religious vows, ecclesiastical authority, and the temporal concerns that can arise in such disputes.
