Speculation swirled regarding the value of the monastery’s land and the implications for legacy donations and online revenue. Locals are wondering if the skyrocketing value of the monastery’s 70+ acre tract of land is part of the equation.
The nun’s attorney suggested that Bishop Olson was trying to obtain the financial records of the nuns, which the church does not have access to. And he may also be interested in the hefty legacy donations and proceeds from the nun’s online store.
The Vatican Steps in
On Friday, the Fort Worth diocese published a decree from the Vatican that turned over daily operations of the monastery to an association of Carmelite nuns, who would work with the bishop.
In response to the Vatican’s decree, Bishop Olson expressed a commitment to collaborate with the appointed association and facilitate the monastery’s transition.
The nuns said they will continue to bar Olson, and now the president of the Carmelite nuns association, from the monastery’s premises.
They also said they want Olson to “repent for his abuse” and issue private and public apologies to the nuns.
