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The situation regarding the Carmelite Monastery of the Most Holy Trinity in Arlington, Texas, has been fraught with controversy, leading to its suppression by the Vatican. This timeline captures the key events:
- 1958: Discalced Carmelite nuns establish residence in Fort Worth, Texas.
- 1984: The nuns relocate to a new monastery on a 72-acre property in Arlington, Texas.
- 2013: Bishop Michael Olson becomes the bishop of the Diocese of Fort Worth.
- August 2020: The Carmelite nuns request to align with a new association, approved by the Vatican.
- April 24, 2023: Bishop Olson confronts Reverend Mother Teresa Agnes Gerlach over allegations of misconduct involving a priest.
- May 3, 2023: Gerlach and another nun file a lawsuit against Bishop Olson, claiming abuse of power.
- May 16, 2023: Olson begins an investigation into Gerlach following a report of misconduct.
- May 31, 2023: Olson is appointed “pontifical commissary” of the monastery by the Vatican.
- June 1, 2023: Gerlach is dismissed from the Order after being found guilty of violating her vow of chastity.
- June 14, 2023: The diocese releases photos claiming marijuana found at the monastery, which the nuns dispute.
- June 27, 2023: A recording is presented in court where Gerlach admits to inappropriate contact with a priest, which she later denies due to health issues.
- June 30, 2023: A judge dismisses the nuns’ lawsuit, citing lack of jurisdiction.
- Aug. 18, 2023: Gerlach proclaims independence from Olson’s authority.
- Aug. 19, 2023: Olson hints that Gerlach may have incurred automatic excommunication due to her actions.
- April 18, 2024: A new lawful superior appointed to the monastery, with a Vatican decree backing this change.
- May 22, 2024: The Vatican overturns Olson’s dismissal of Gerlach but upholds the bishop’s investigation and suspension of her as prioress.
- Sept. 14, 2024: The nuns announce an association with the Society of St. Pius X and reelect Gerlach as prioress.
- Sept. 17, 2024: Olson condemns the nuns’ actions as scandalous and warns against participating in sacraments there.
- Oct. 28, 2024: Olson announces the dismissal of the nuns from the Order by the new appointed prioress.
- Oct. 30, 2024: The nuns assert their vows cannot be invalidated.
- Oct. 31, 2024: Olson clarifies the status of the Society of St. Pius X regarding communion with the Church.
- Dec. 2, 2024: The Vatican officially suppresses the Carmelite Monastery of the Most Holy Trinity.
This series of events highlights ongoing disputes within the monastery, issues of authority, and the eventual intervention by the Vatican