Svacina also said that Bishop Burns had, after "an investigation," concluded that the Dallas priest's alleged affair had not occured. Thousands of Catholics from across North Texas and beyond were in attendance. Father Kirkham was at first unable to retrieve his belongings from the rectory where he was living because Bishop Olson ordered the locks changed while Father Kirkham was out of state, the Dallas Morning News reported. In May 2018, Father Kirkham wrote a letter to the priest. The Congregation for Clergy upheld his resignation in July, and Father Kirkham is currently awaiting the results of his final appeal. Fort Worth Bishop Addresses 'Unhappy Catholics,' Online Petition Over 10,000 people from across North Texas and beyond were in attendance. I dont know how to explain this, but this did not happen in person. Archbishop Emeritus Fiorenza and Bishop Kevin Vann were the co-consecrators. According to court documents, Kirkham and the priest were friends, and would often speak lewdly over alcoholic drinks. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time. Bobo said that the diocese returned the iPhone and other devices on May 15, but insisted on having copies of everything on those devices. I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear evil men but have tested those who call themselves apostles but are not, and found them to be false. So what? Bishop Michael F. Olson, S.T.D., M.A. The restrictions also prevent lay participation in the Mass. The Transalpine Redemptorists did not respond immediately to a Star-Telegram request for comment. Strickland broke protocol, and common sense, criticizing Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich and Burlington Bishop Christopher Coyne when the two prelates disciplined priests within their jurisdictions. The Bishop threw a temper tantrum, and in an agitated and raised voice yelled that the Monastery was shut down, no Mass would be celebrated, he then slammed the door and left the Monastery, traumatizing the Sisters, Gerlach said in her affidavit. The Mother Superior and sister from Carmelite nuns are seeking $1 million in damages. Olson raised his voice, according to the lawsuit. Many people and laity of the Fort Worth diocese have reached out to help. "In dangers, in doubts, in difculties, think of Mary, call upon Mary. and M.A.) Bobo said the sisters just want to resume their life of prayer and devotion to God. Judge hears testimony in dispute between Fort Worth diocese and and I think my brain just got really messed up.. "We are thankful that these law enforcement agencies have decided to undertake this criminal investigation and are confident that the nuns will receive justice under the law of the State of Texas that they deserve," said Matthew Bobo, attorney representing the Carmelite nuns. Homily for the Thirteenth Sunday of OrdinaryTime, Homily for the Twelfth Sunday ofOrdinary Time. She has appealed her dismissal. In 2018, Bishop Olson and the Diocese of Fort Worth hosted the fifth National Encuentro of Hispanic/Latino Ministry for 3,000 national clergy and lay leaders in Hispanic Ministry. On May 31, the Vatican formally recognized the bishops authority over the monastery and the investigation. During this time, Mass is being offered for the sisters on Sundays. And everyone is allowed a bad hair day. And Bishop, I really got things very confused. EIN 27-4581132 Nun said she was in love with priest, diocese official says | Fort Lets follow through with the priests name. Tyler Arnold is a staff reporter for the National Catholic Register. That's when, according to the release, Bishop Olson reportedly "threw a juvenile and unseemly temper tantrum in an agitated voice" and advised that the monastery would be shut down and that he would allow no Mass for the sisters or laymen and then "slammed the door and left the monastery.". Last week, Father Kirkham dropped a lawsuit in which he had argued that the bishop had, in interviews with the Star-Telegram, implied that Father Kirkhams removal was because he posed a danger to minors and the vulnerable. Bishop Olson's Biography Bishop Olson's Video Series Bishop Olson's Blog Contact Information As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. Please join in in praying the Rosary daily. On January 29, 2014 Bishop Olson was ordained bishop and installed as the fourth bishop of the Diocese of Fort Worth at the Fort Worth Convention Center. Officials said Pope Francis issued a Feb. 11, 2022, decree that prevented any authority by diocesan bishops to remove a nun from her monastery. At the time, I was having seizures, and I was really in a very difficult position. Strickland has criticized Pope Francis before, for example, saying the pope was "dangerous" when he said he was open to "civil unions" for gay couples. The lawsuit said Olson arrived at the monastery on April 24 on 30 minutes notice with other diocese officials and a forensic technology expert. I understand that being a bishop is a largely thankless job these days. Bishop Olson also threatened a nun of 25 years with dismissal from the order for a telephone call. A judge in June 2019 allowed Kirkham to reenter the rectory to retrieve his belongings. The Diocese is comprised of 91 parishes in 28 Counties of North Texas. Then without proper prior notice, Bishop Olson, Father Hart and Sandra Schrader-Farry interrogated other sisters of the order for several hours, and then demanded they be allowed to interrogate the other sisters the following day. Gerlach spoke in a barely audible voice. He is based in St. Louis. Strickland's attacks on the pope, however, reach beyond the borders of his diocese. At all. In March of 2011 he successfully earned his doctorate in moral theology at the Academia Alfonsiana in Rome. Bishop Michael F. Olson addresses faithful regarding events at the Carmelite Monastery in Arlington Fraga reported: Olson turned down NCR's request for an interview through a diocesan spokesman, who provided a copy of a letter that the bishop sent to Plumlee. Fort Worth Bishop Dismisses Carmelite Mother Superior in Diocese Arlington recognizes Dolores Huerta of United Farm Workers | Fort Worth The Reverend Mother Superior Teresa Agnes Gerlach of the Monastery of the Most Holy Trinity in Arlington, Texas. Bishop Michael F. Olson Sign-up for E-NewsletterGet Register Updates sent daily or weeklyto your inbox. Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth on Instagram: "In his homily reflecting Michael Fors Olson - Wikipedia Pope Francis named Olson as bishop of the Diocese of Fort Worth on November 19, 2013. Olson said three people who worked at the monastery contacted him concerned about Mothers use of drugs and her trips outside the Carmel. He also asked Wallis why he waited until April to report the grave misconduct.. GET MORE NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE: Sign up for our weekly 'Talk of Texas' newsletter But the seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold. (Matthew 13:23). Philip Gray, a canon lawyer and man of deep Catholic faith, has agreed to represent (free of charge) anyone who would like to pursue this action. We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Phone & Email: I hope everyone respects that, he said. This story was originally published May 19, 2023, 12:29 PM. According to the Star-Telegram, Kirkham admitted in a Jan. 7 deposition that he recognized the relationship between the priest and a church employee as abuse against a vulnerable person, but also that he never planned to make an official report. Sister Francis Therese of the monastery is also suing Olson because she alleges the bishop took the devices and stole information pertaining to the monastery. In an eight-minute-long YouTube video released by the diocese on Sunday, June 11, Bishop Olson said he decided to make a public statement because others had brought the matter into inappropriate venues such as the media and civil courts. According to the release, Bishop Olson, together with Rev. We have now united as one group to ask Rome to remove Bishop Michael Olson as the bishop of the Ft. Worth Diocese. The attorney representing the nuns, Matthew Bobo, has yet to issue a statement since the hearing finished. Meanwhile, Bobo said that Olson violated canonical law by posting information about the investigation into Gerlach and what she is accused of on a public website. Though Father Kirkham never formally reported the alleged affair, the letter came to the attention of the Bishop Edward Burns of Dallas, because the Dallas priest shared it with him. Bishop Olson: Carmelite prioress admitted 5 times to breaking chastity who was ordained bishop and installed as the fourth bishop of Fort Worth on January 29, 2014. You are a substance abuser. Thousands of Catholics from across North Texas and beyond were in attendance. They were ordered to do so.. Bobo countered that the ecclesiastical doctrine is not applicable because the diocese violated state laws. A Fort Worth diocesan priest who resigned his post and later attempted to rescind his resignation has dropped a lawsuit against Bishop Michael Olson and the Diocese of Fort Worth- a lawsuit which alleged that the bishop had defamed him by implying he is a threat to children. Nun sues Fort Worth Catholic diocese after bishop accuses her of "I had previously issued him a formal rebuke for dishonesty, and he had also acknowledged to me that there were issues that he needed to address," Olson continued. The Dallas diocese has not officially disclosed the accused priest's name. There is also a petition online calling for Bishop Olson to be removed. Vatican sides with Fort Worth bishop in dispute with nuns, diocese says Olson said, Yes, It will be submitted to Rome. He added that the discovery calls for a canonical apostolic visit from the Holy See. The Mother Superior and a sister from Carmelite nuns claim Olson abused his power and inflicted moral violence and psychological distress on the Mother Superior and the rest of the nuns in multiple visits to their monastery in late April in violation of both civil and Catholic canon law. The diocese filed a response with the court, which argued that this is an internal Church matter investigating alleged violations of the Sixth Commandment and should not be subject to the civil court system. From St. Patrick's: The First 100 Years. According to a release, the investigation is looking into the actions taken by Olson and those in the Fort Worth diocese under his control relating to the Discalced Carmelite Mother Superior and Nuns at the Monastery of the Most Holy Trinity in Arlington. Diocesan Offices - Roman Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth Every Wednesday Prior to coming together, we were individual groups who were suffering. Contact Us / Catholic Center - Roman Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth When you subscribe to the CNA UPDATE, we'll send you a daily email with links to the news you need and, occasionally, breaking news. Bishop Michael Olson has issued a decree dismissing the reverend mother from the Order of Discalced Carmelites. Last week, my colleague Brian Fraga reported on Fort Worth Bishop Michael Olson's decision to sack the head of Catholic Charities in his diocese. Find one of these groups and join them or please start your own group. In 1988, Bishop Olson officially transferred as a seminarian to the Diocese of Fort Worth. Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church. The bishop said she made the admission in front of him, Sister Francis Therese, Chancellor and Moderator of the Curia Msgr. FRK Advocates sent a petition to the Vatican during Nov. 2019, signed by about 1,500 parishioners from 20 parishes in the Fort Worth diocese, asking Pope Francis to remove Olson as bishop. He is also a past recipient of the Presidential Fellowship of Saint Louis University where he studied at the Center for Health Care Ethics in the Catholic Tradition between 1997 and 2001. FOX 26 Houston is now on the FOX LOCAL app available through Apple TV, Amazon FireTV, Roku and Google Android TV! At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. However, attorneys representing the diocese wrote in a motion to dismiss the lawsuit on Thursday that Gerlach admitted to violating her chastity vows and that secular courts did not have jurisdiction over ecclesiastical matters and investigations. I have a difficult question to bring to you, Olson said. Photo courtesy of Amon Carter Museum. On Jan. 5, Wallis said, Gerlach told him that she needed to see a doctor because she was nervous about being late., On cross examination, Bobo asked Wallis if he was aware of her significant health issues. He was a member of the formation faculty at Saint Marys Seminary in Houston, Texas and lectured at the University of Saint Thomas School of Theology between 2001 and 2006. Judge Don Cosby, of the 67th District Court said he will issue a ruling next week. There is an ecclesiastical abstention doctrine preventing the courts from getting involved in church-related investigations.. "This was especially apparent in light of the deeply disturbing letter he sent to a priest of the Dallas Diocese which contained many lewd communications they had shared over drinks.". Please pray for the sisters at the Monastery.. Subscriber Service CenterAlready a subscriber? Nun suing bishop & diocese . By Tyler Arnold. According to court documents, the Disculced Carmelite Nuns Inc. is an independent nonprofit organization also listed as Monastery of the Most Holy Trinity. A Fort Worth spokesman told CNA that the Dallas diocese has not officially communicated the results of their investigation to Fort Worth. Olson dismissed Gerlach from the order on June 1, a day after the Vatican gave him the authority to investigate. The earliest record of the group by a contemporary author seems to be from 1045. FORT WORTH, Texas - A criminal investigation has been launched into the actions taken by Bishop Michael Olson against two nuns in Fort Worth in April. While affirming your respect for me as a person, you affirmed that that was your position. Bishop Michael Olson says claims he or the Fort Worth Diocese planted drugs at an Arlington monastery amid an ongoing fight with the nuns who live there are "false and baseless." A lawyer. Priest Pulls Lawsuit Against Ft Worth's Bishop Olson, But Allegations In that lawsuit, Kirkham and his attorney had argued that the bishop had, in interviews with the Star-Telegram, implied that Kirkham's removal was because he posed a danger to minors and the vulnerable. Please follow the link to sign the petiiton. He will not break a bruised reed or quench a smoldering wick, til He brings justice to victory. We do not believe that his actions reflect that of a good shepherd. Fort Worth police officers don't need to be softer, gentler | Fort He cited several cases to back up his argument. Learn more. The diocese, meanwhile, told the Star-Telegram it has alerted police of serious concerns of marijuana and edibles inside the Arlington monastery of Carmelite nuns. Like these images? During their closing statements, attorneys sparred over whether the lawsuit should go forward. Do you know anything about that?, Its OK. Gerlach said tearfully, Im sorry, Bishop.. He was a charter recipient of the CRS Global Fellowship in 1993 through which he traveled to Egypt and Burkina Faso to learn about global development in social justice. "You have admitted to me more than once that you have a drinking problem, you can't stop, you black out," Kirkham wrote to the priest in the letter. Users must create a verified account. Shortly after entering, Bishop Olson immediately demanded that Mother Superior Teresa Agnes Gerlach turn over her computer, iPad, and cellular phone to him without explanation. Carmelite nuns sue Fort Worth bishop over 'grave misconduct' in The diocese on Wednesday released a pair of photographs that purportedly show cannabis and marijuana products inside the monastery. Bishop Michael F. Olson, S.T.D., M.A., was born on June 29, 1966, in Park Ridge, Illinois, to the marriage of Ronald and Janice Olson (nee. The diocese, meanwhile, told the Star-Telegram it has alerted police of serious concerns of marijuana and edibles inside the Arlington monastery of Carmelite nuns. In the video, the bishop alleged that Gerlach admitted to violations of the vow of chastity on four separate occasions before Olson came to the monastery to request access to phones and computers as part of the investigation. Bishop Olson also has degrees (M.Div. From July, 2006, through June, 2008 Bishop Olson served in the Diocese of Fort Worth as Vicar General and as Pastor of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church. In June 2018, Bishop Olson asked Father Richard Kirkham, former pastor of St. Martin de Porres parish in Prosper, Texas, to resign his pastorate, because the priest did not report to authorities what appeared to the bishop to be a case of a priest abusing a vulnerable adult. Bobo argued that the diocese violated Texas law concerning property rights and said the diocese did not have the right to take private property. Amid the sound of church bells from the monastery, Olson asked Gerlach about the reports that she broke her chastity vows. Staff writer James Hartley contributed to this story. He told the Star-Telegram in July 2019 that he knows the Dallas priest, having served as his seminary rector, but says he does not have "a peer relationship with him.". To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve, to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley, of tears. There is hope for redemption. In Tyler, the bishop demonstrates his incapacities in full view of the public on social media, and does so routinely. April 20, 2022 By Brayden Garcia Bishop Michael Olson of the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth requested the resignation of the head of Catholic Charities Fort Worth earlier this month. Per canon law, he doesnt have the authority to start an investigation or take any action. Gerlach said she didnt know how to explain breaking her chastity vow and spoke having seizures. I will read the decree in a minute. As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. Olson also requested that the Dallas Carmelite Auxiliary halt a fundraiser that is intended to help the monastery with its legal funds. On April 25, the reverend mother underwent surgery, and when she returned to the monastery, she and other sisters were subjected to more questions and interrogation. She accuses the bishop of abuse of power and overstepping his authority . Bishop Michael Olson, Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth, now under criminal investigation By Ronnie Marley Published June 7, 2023 Texas FOX 26 Houston FORT WORTH, Texas - A criminal investigation has been launched into the actions taken by Bishop Michael Olson against two nuns in Fort Worth in April. June 30 ruling grants the Fort Worth Dioceses motion to dismiss the monasterys complaint, which accused Bishop Michael Olson of theft, defamation and abuse of power. I have received information about a violation of the Sixth Commandment by you with a priest. Copyright 2023 EWTN News, Inc. All rights reserved. Carmelite Monastery Arlington: Bishop Olson video statement | wfaa.com If you have to say it, maybe people who think you are a dictator have a point. We will all have lots of emotion; anger, fear, grief, uncertainty. Take Us With You. Established in 1969 by Pope Paul VI and currently is home to an estimated 1,200,000 Catholics. The hearing was held to determine whether a secular court has jurisdiction to allow the lawsuit to go forward. Gerlach, 43, is suing Bishop Michael Olson and the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth for $1 million, alleging that he defamed her, invaded her privacy and stole personal electronic devices. His continued tenure as a diocesan bishop is a scandal. The Catholic Faithful are calling for the removal of Bishop Michael Olson as the bishop of Ft. Worth. Ive been a reporter at the Star-Telegram for 34 years. He talked about Gerlach being asked to turn over her cell phone and laptop. In addition to shepherding a flock of more than 1,000,000 Catholics in the 28 counties of the Diocese of Fort Worth, Bishop Olson is a panel member of American Religious Town Hall and a frequent radio guest on Guadalupe Radio Network and The Catholic Current.. Priest takes security to Mass for nuns in fight with diocese | Fort Gerlach says he is Father Bernard Marie from a community in Montana, the Transalpine Redemptorists. E. James Hart and the diocesan Chancellor Sandra Schrader-Farry, with a mere 30 minutes notice, informed the sisters that they were coming to visit the monastery on April 24. 43, is suing Bishop Olson and the diocese for $1 . A Tarrant County judge on Friday dismissed the lawsuit . You have an addiction to pornography, masturbation and sex. He said the priest is not currently assigned and has restricted faculties. We are all 'cafeteria Catholics.' Its very important that you consider that because other people might be in jeopardy, because I know its consensual is that correct?, But a priest, as you know, is obliged to live his promises and vows to things even moreso for a priest than a consecrated religious., Bishop, most of this was done on the phone., Was some of this in person? The Star-Telegram previously reported that Bobo contacted the Arlington police regarding allegations that Olson confiscated the information from the devices that were taken from the monastery. An ecclesiastical investigation into the report of the grave misconduct was initiated at the Monastery of the Most Holy Trinity in Arlington, Texas, on April 24, 2023. They showed up also with another unnamed forensic expert and demanded entrance into the monastery, over which the Bishop has no civil or canonical authority. | Diocese of Ft. Worth, Bach on a mountain: Wilderness experience informs faith at Wyoming Catholic College, 12 keys to using the brown scapular of Our Lady of Mt. This conversation took place the late afternoon of the day before she had surgery; not after the surgery, Olson said. E. James Hart, and Director of Safe Environment Sandra Schrader-Farry. Bobo also questioned Olson about the allegations of drug use. Olson says he spoke to the Dallas priest with Burns' permission. The Diocese of Fort Worth was established in 1969 by Pope Paul VI and currently is home to an estimated 1,200,000 Catholics. The congregation started work on the monastery in 2020, dubbing it the Montana Rosa Mystica and asking people to send donations for its construction to Most Holy Rosary House in Jordan, Montana, according to the website. The Fort Worth bishop says the nun admitted to the transgression of breaking her chastity vow with a priest during interviews with the vicar general of the Fort Worth Catholic Diocese and another sister from her order over several days in April. The nuns allege that the bishop illegally seized Gerlach's electronics on April 24 to find information related to the alleged affair. The Diocese of Fort Worth was established in 1969 by Pope Paul VI and currently is home to an estimated 1,200,000 Catholics. Pastoral letters and press releases from Bishop Olson are located under Communications / Media. The situation in Fort Worth is very different from that in Tyler, but the remedy to both situations is the same: It is time for an apostolic visitation in both dioceses. Fort Worth Bishop Michael Olson of the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth is responding to allegations made in an online petition that calls for a papal investigation into his behavior and accuses him . Check out the link in bio for details. Find a Young Adult group at a local parish to get connected and build a faith community. We learned it through news reports, when the Dallas Diocese told news media there that they investigated and found no grounds for [the affair]. The monastery requested that the bishop lift these restrictions, but he said they will stay in place as long as the civil lawsuit remains in place. 800 West Loop 820 South, Fort Worth, TX 76108 See link in bio for a list of parishes with active YA groups. He told Gerlach of his canonical investigation and said she would have to move to the guest quarters of the monastery, and that he was putting her on administrative leave. He said she would have to turn over her cell phone and computer as part of the investigation. The letter put me in mind of a news story about Olson in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, in which he told the newspaper, "I am not a dictator." 1988 by St. Patrick Cathedral Fort Worth, Texas. All the more reason you shouldnt be prioress, Olson said. Bishop Olson's Biography; Bishop Olson's Video Series; Apostolates; Catholic Center; Calendar; Cemeteries & Columbariums; Communications / Media. This is a statement that I would gladly sign with my blood.. This is an independent religious organization which answers directly to the Pope, Bobo said. FORT WORTH, Texas Bishop Michael Olson of Fort Worth, Texas, issued a decree June 1, dismissing Reverend Mother Teresa Agnes Gerlach from religious life . In 2017, Father Kirkham apparently became aware that a Dallas priest, whose name has not been publicly released, was having an affair with a married Church employee.