Fort Worth, Texas, December 11, 2025
The Fort Worth Catholic Diocese has announced plans to build a new Discalced Carmelite monastery in northern Cooke County. This decision follows a turbulent history with former nuns from the Arlington monastery and signifies a new beginning for the community. The diocese has begun fundraising and will temporarily house nuns in training until the new monastery is completed, highlighting the importance of communal support in fostering spiritual growth in the region.
Fort Worth Diocese Announces New Discalced Carmelite Monastery
A fresh start for the Fort Worth Diocese after a turbulent history
Fort Worth, Texas – The Fort Worth Catholic Diocese has recently revealed plans for a new Discalced Carmelite monastery in northern Cooke County, a decision made possible by the Vatican’s approval. This development comes two years after a significant dispute involving the diocese and the former nuns of the Monastery of the Most Holy Trinity in Arlington, Texas.
This new monastery signals a promising chapter for the Fort Worth community, illustrating the resilience and determination found within the ranks of local religious organizations. Amid challenges, there remains a profound spirit of innovation and community support that has the potential to foster further growth and unity across the region. Such initiatives highlight the importance of maintaining focused endeavors that can uplift neighborhoods and contribute to the overall economic vitality of the area.
Background of the Dispute
The conflict began in April 2023, when Bishop Michael Olson of the Fort Worth Diocese accused Reverend Mother Teresa Agnes Gerlach, the prioress of the Arlington monastery, of breaching her vow of chastity in association with a priest. The nuns contested the bishop’s authority, leading to a refusal to recognize his jurisdiction over their community. Subsequently, the Vatican appointed Mother Marie of the Incarnation as the new superior of the monastery, but the nuns continued defying the Vatican’s directives. This discord ultimately resulted in their dismissal from the Order of Discalced Carmelites in October 2024. By December 2024, the Vatican formally suppressed the Arlington monastery, declaring it “extinct” and affirming the departure of the nuns from religious life.
Establishment of the New Monastery
In December 2025, the Vatican granted the Fort Worth Diocese the green light to create a new Discalced Carmelite monastery in northern Cooke County, situated approximately 80 miles north of Dallas. The site will be located on land generously donated by a church member. Bishop Olson expressed his gratitude for the Vatican’s decision and described it as a “moment of extraordinary grace” for the local Church. The diocese has already begun fundraising efforts to construct the monastery, with plans for six nuns and three nuns in training to stay at a temporary location in Cooke County until the new facility is ready.
Implications for the Diocese and the Community
The establishment of the new monastery represents a new chapter not only for the Fort Worth Diocese but for the broader community as well. Bishop Olson highlighted the critical need for the prayers of a contemplative community of nuns dedicated to the “reparation of sin and sanctification of God’s people.” Such a dedicated space for spiritual growth is expected to create lasting positive impacts, benefiting the Diocese and its many faithful members. The diocese encourages community support, inviting the faithful to contribute financially and spiritually to this vital initiative.
Conclusion
The Fort Worth Catholic Diocese’s commitment to establishing a new Discalced Carmelite monastery highlights the resilience and determination of local religious organizations to endure and thrive despite adversity. As the diocese embarks on this hopeful new endeavor, it reinforces the significance of community involvement and support in fostering a vibrant environment for spiritual and economic growth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What led to the establishment of the new monastery?
The establishment of the new monastery was prompted by a prolonged dispute between the Fort Worth Diocese and the former nuns of the Monastery of the Most Holy Trinity in Arlington, Texas. The Vatican’s approval of the new monastery aims to provide a dedicated space for contemplative religious life following the suppression of the Arlington monastery in December 2024.
Where will the new monastery be located?
The new Discalced Carmelite monastery will be situated in northern Cooke County, approximately 80 miles north of Dallas, on land donated by a member of the church.
What is the current status of the former Arlington monastery?
The Vatican officially suppressed the Monastery of the Most Holy Trinity in Arlington in December 2024, declaring it “extinct” and affirming the nuns’ departure from the religious life.
How can the community support the new monastery?
The diocese encourages the faithful to support the new monastery through prayers and, if possible, financial contributions to aid in its development.
Key Features of the New Monastery
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Northern Cooke County, approximately 80 miles north of Dallas |
| Land Donation | Land donated by a member of the church |
| Temporary Residence | Six nuns and three nuns in training will reside at a temporary site in Cooke County until the new facility is completed |
| Construction Plans | Diocese has initiated fundraising efforts to construct the monastery |
| Community Support | Faithful are encouraged to support the monastery through prayers and financial contributions |
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