By Trend News Line 2024-05-24 09:24:56.
**Vatican Overturns Decree Dismissing Mother Teresa Agnes Gerlach from Carmelite Order**
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In a recent ruling that has brought a year-long saga to a close, the Vatican has overturned a decree from Bishop Michael Olson of Fort Worth, Texas, which dismissed Mother Teresa Agnes Gerlach from the Carmelite Order. This decision comes after an investigation by the diocese found Gerlach guilty of sexual misconduct with a Catholic priest from another diocese, identified as Father Philip Johnson from the Diocese of Raleigh, North Carolina. The Vatican cited specific reasons for overturning Olson’s decree, including the nature of Gerlach’s misconduct and procedural errors in the dismissal process.
**Reasons for Vatican’s Decision**
The Vatican reasoned that Gerlach’s admission of the misconduct did not establish that it was perpetrated by force or violence. Additionally, they stated that Gerlach did not abuse her ecclesiastical authority as prioress, as she had no real authority over Father Johnson. Procedurally, the Vatican found errors in the execution of Gerlach’s dismissal, as she was not given the full 15 days to respond to the canonical warnings. The decree, signed by Cardinal João Braz de Aviz and Sister Simona Brambilla, was made public on May 22, overturning Olson’s decree from June 1.
**Public Back-and-Forth**
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The saga between Olson and the Arlington Carmelite Monastery has played out in the public eye, with the monastery claiming to have suffered ongoing attacks and abuse from Olson. They accused him of seizing their phones and computers, restricting their access to Mass and other sacraments, and conducting a search of their convent. Olson, on the other hand, maintained that Gerlach had admitted to the misconduct and repeated her admission in a separate conversation.
**Current Status and Future**
Following the Vatican’s decision, Gerlach retains her place in the monastery but is not reinstated as prioress. The governance and oversight of the monastery have been entrusted to the Association of Christ the King in the United States, a decision supported by Olson. Mother Marie of the Incarnation, President of the Association of Christ the King, visited the Arlington Carmel to present letters from the dicastery but was rejected entry. This sets the stage for potential further involvement from the Vatican in the matter.
**Statement from Mother Marie**
In a statement, Mother Marie pledged to preserve the monastery and uphold its integrity for the faithful of Fort Worth. She expressed her commitment to supporting the nuns and ensuring their religious life is nurtured in communion with the Catholic Church. The nuns of Arlington Carmel did not respond to requests for comment, but in a previous statement, they expressed concerns about the governance of the monastery by an outside authority.
In conclusion, the Vatican’s decision to overturn Bishop Olson’s decree has brought some resolution to the ongoing saga involving Mother Teresa Agnes Gerlach and the Arlington Carmelite Monastery. The future governance of the monastery remains uncertain, with potential further involvement from the Vatican in the coming days..
Vatican reverses dismissal of nun in Fort Worth diocese
Nun dismissal reversal in Fort Worth diocese by Vatican.
