In a new chapter of a two-year dispute, the Vatican-appointed leadership of the Fort Worth diocese has dismissed a group of Arlington-based Carmelite nuns from their religious order, effectively classifying them as Catholic laypeople.
The statement, published on the diocese's website, indicates that while the nuns haven’t been ex-communicated, their return to religious life requires formal repentance.
The rift between the nuns and Bishop Michael Olson began in 2023 when Olson accused the monastery head of violating her vow of chastity with a priest.
This led to a lawsuit from the monastery’s reverend mother and her family, who allege that Olson invaded their privacy and exceeded his authority in handling the matter.
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Read the entire statement here:
In a statement provided to NBC 5 on Wednesday, Oct. 30, the Reverend Mother Prioress of the Monastery of the Most Holy Trinity Discalced Carmelite Nuns addressed recent claims made by the Diocese of Fort Worth, emphasizing the community’s continued faithfulness and commitment to their religious vows.
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"The statements posted on the Diocese of Fort Worth website on October 28th concerning us require urgent clarification.
"What began in April 2023 with a false accusation against our Mother Prioress and that has been pursued relentlessly since then by Bishop Olson for his own ends has been compounded over time so that we have now reached the point where it is asserted that we are dismissed from religious life and that we have somehow “defected notoriously from the Faith.” These assertions are egregiously false."
"Given our recent acceptance for association by the Society of St Pius X last August, any “dismissal” declared by Mother Marie of the Association of Christ the King is a moot point. The Vows we have professed to God cannot be dismissed or taken away. By virtue of them we belong to Him and are His."
"Given that we pray every day for the Holy Father, Pope Francis and our Ordinary, Michael Olson, any claim that we have departed from the Catholic faith is ridiculous. We firmly believe and profess all that the holy Catholic Church believes, teaches, and proclaims to be revealed by God. Disputes about one man’s wishes and man-made rules do not exclude us from the Church."
"Please know that here we continue our vowed life of prayer and sacrifice in the Discalced Carmelite tradition for the Church and the world, and for all of you, our dear friends and benefactors, including those who may disagree or disapprove of the decisions we have had to make in the best interests of our Community."
"We are profoundly grateful to all those who continue to show us their support and are happy to welcome you to our Monastery Chapel for private prayer or for the celebration of the beautiful traditional Latin Mass that it is now our joy to participate in each day."
"May the Carmelite saints and martyrs intercede for us all!"
The nuns’ attorney has not responded to requests for comment. While the bishop has clarified his stance, the nuns' future remains unresolved.
