The Vatican has ruled that a monastery in Arlington is "extinct," dissolving it and stripping the women there of their status as nuns, following a dispute with Fort Worth Bishop Michael Olson.
Olson initiated an investigation into the monastery in April 2023 after allegations surfaced that the monastery’s leader had broken her vow of chastity with a priest from outside the diocese. The nuns filed a civil suit challenging Olson's actions, but the case was dismissed.
In a letter, Olson said the monastery no longer exists in the eyes of the church, and the women residing there are no longer recognized as nuns. He added that any Masses or sacraments performed on the property would be unauthorized by the diocese.
A lawyer for the former nuns said they would continue their life of contemplative prayer, despite the Vatican’s decision.
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