On Carmel’s Height, I Join Their Fight

Dear friends, I have written in the past about the plight of the holy nuns of the Carmel of the Most Holy Trinity in Arlington, TX. I have followed their story for over a year now as the bishop of that diocese (Fort Worth, TX) has, well, let me see how I can say things with as much charity as I can muster… These dear women, who have given up their lives in the world to pray day and night for you and for me, have been besmirched, maligned, accused of terrible things, and dragged through legal processes both civil and canonical.

You are, of course, free to draw your own conclusions about who is at fault.

Please read this from Archbishop Vigano. It might help.

But I have lived quite the interesting life. I am a 46 year-old man, a husband and father, who spent much of his adult life working for the Church both teaching the faith and administering schools on Her behalf. One of those schools was in that bishop’s diocese. I was, as the kids say, non-plussed. OK maybe the kids in 18th century France said that but you get my point. I lived through McCarrick and I learned a while ago that the Sensus Fidelium begins with common sense. In other words, I will never again assign appellations to a prelate on the basis of a pectoral cross tucked neatly into his clergy shirt pocket. If you look and act like an effeminate weirdo, I will assume you are one until you prove me wrong. Why? Because I have to. I have a wife and kids. It’s my sacred duty to instruct them and protect them. If I don’t instinctively trust you to be a part of teaching my children, I’ll let you know.

But today I read of a new development. It seems the good sisters have been “dismissed from the religious state”. Hold the phone. They’re not nuns anymore?!

I’m calling BS on this one.

I have been blessed to have developed a correspondence with what I will only describe as an “acquaintance inside the walls of the cloister”. Again, use your head here, folks. Said acquaintance has graciously allowed me to share the following and I urge you to read and take action.

“We are not going anywhere but are peacefully determined to continue living our vocation of prayer for the Church and for the salvation of souls. We do pray for Pope Francis [sic] and Bishop Olson every day, we have not defected from the Catholic Church in any way.

“In order to help pay the expenses related to running our monastery and caring for our Sisters we would appreciate any donations that may come through our well wishers and friends, ( www.carmelnuns.com) especially since Bishop Olson is calling on the faithful not to offer us any financial support or attend Mass at our monastery. Donations can be made by visiting our website at the link above.

“We have received many messages of support since the announcement of the dismissal. We are most grateful for these kind words, there are some who have become confused and withdrawn their support. Please be assured we are keeping everyone in our prayers!”

So there you have it. Please pray, pray, pray (and pray some more). Please contribute if you can. And please fast. It is effective. And if you are still laughing at them “defecting from the Church”, you’re not alone.

And on this end, in a boxer’s stance with my spiritual fists clenched. These women fight for us. I will fight for them. Will you?

St. Teresa of Avila and St. Therese, pray for us!