Bishop Olson addresses Arlington nuns’ disobedience and invites faithful back

In Arlington, nuns from a local monastery have invited the faithful to return for prayer and Mass, despite Bishop Michael Olson's strong disapproval. He has labeled their actions as 'scandalous disobedience' and has urged parishioners to refrain from supporting the nuns financially or associating with them, emphasizing the spiritual implications of such associations. This conflict escalated after the nuns rejected a Vatican decree regarding oversight of their organization, which they perceived as a hostile takeover. The situation intensified in 2023 when Bishop Olson initiated an investigation into Reverend Mother Teresa Agnes for allegedly breaking her vow of chastity. Following this, he dismissed her from the monastery, a decision later overturned by the Vatican in April 2023 after an appeal. The nuns have since re-elected Teresa Agnes as their Prioress, a move Olson has deemed 'illicit and invalid,' asserting that Mother Marie of the Incarnation is the rightful superior. The nuns have aligned themselves with the Society of Saint Pius X, a traditionalist group that opposes certain Vatican changes. Their association has led to the posting of links on their website to Catholic sites that advocate for traditional worship and criticize the Pope. This has further fueled the divide between the nuns and the Diocese of Fort Worth. Bishop Olson has indicated plans to consult with Vatican offices regarding the ongoing dispute, highlighting the complexities of church governance and the challenges posed by differing interpretations of faith and authority within the Catholic community.