The Vatican’s intervention decreed a transfer of authority over the monastery to an association of Carmelite nuns. This decision not only redirected oversight but also challenged the bishop’s previous directives.
The last word
The nuns detailed statement ended on a defiant note.
“If Rome wishes to ‘save face’ and to sweep the issue of the abuse of the bishop under the carpet and move on regardless, this is unacceptable. In justice the issue of Bishop Olson must be dealt with for our good and for the good of the Diocese of Fort Worth as a whole.”
“We note that every US citizen is entitled to justice according to the law. Religious Profession does not cancel that right. Episcopal Consecration does not give the one consecrated the power to violate it. Last year we ceased our civil action so that the Holy See could proceed with their own processes.”
“Once we receive the responses to the recourses, we will instruct our civil lawyers to review the option of the further vindication and protection of our civil rights. “
