Vatican shuts down Carmelite monastery amid controversy

By Kate Quiñones

CNA Staff, Dec 2, 2024 / 16:45 pm

The Vatican has taken action against the Carmelite Monastery of the Most Holy Trinity in Arlington, Texas, amid a controversial situation involving allegations of the prioress breaking her vow of chastity.

Bishop Michael Olson of the Diocese of Fort Worth revealed that he recently received a decree from the Holy See, resulting in the suppression of the monastery following the dismissal of the former nuns in October.

The decree, signed by Cardinal João Braz de Aviz and Sister Simona Brambilla, cited the extinction of the community due to a “notorious defection from the Catholic faith,” leading to the removal of the nuns and novice, leaving the monastery with no members.

Olson clarified that despite the former nuns’ claims, they are not nuns or Carmelites, and the monastery no longer exists as recognized by the Holy See.

In his letter, Olson advised Catholics against attending any Masses held at the former monastery, emphasizing that such ceremonies are unauthorized and harmful to the unity of the Catholic Church.

As of now, the former nuns have not issued a response to the suppression of the monastery.

The website of the Discalced Carmelite Nuns continues to be a beacon of their identity.

A controversy unfolded when Bishop Olson initiated an investigation into the monastery following allegations of an affair involving Reverend Mother Teresa Agnes Gerlach and a priest.

In response to the investigation, the sisters filed a lawsuit against Olson, citing privacy violations and emotional distress. Gerlach was eventually dismissed from her religious duties.

In April of this year, the Vatican appointed the Association of Christ the King to oversee the governance of the Texas monastery, but the nuns chose to align themselves with the Society of St. Pius X instead.

Subsequently, Mother Marie of the Incarnation declared that the women were no longer part of the Order of Discalced Carmelites, leading them to revert to the lay state.

Bishop Olson, in a letter addressing the situation, emphasized the need for justice and mercy in handling the events that transpired, particularly Gerlach’s admission of breaking her vows.

During a court hearing in June 2023, Gerlach confessed to the breach of her vows, attributing it to a phone affair while under the influence of medication. She has faced health challenges, including hospitalization and the use of a wheelchair and feeding tube.

In a surprising turn, the diocese released photographs in June 2023 showing cannabis products allegedly present at the monastery, adding another layer to the unfolding saga.