Three Elderly Austrian Nuns Await Vatican Ruling on Convent Residence
Sisters Bernadette (88), Regina (86), and Rita (82) — three elderly Austrian nuns of the Augustinian order — are awaiting a final decision from the Vatican regarding their right to reside at their former convent, Schloss Goldenstein, near Salzburg.
The sisters returned to the convent in September 2024 after being moved to a care home the previous year, sparking a dispute with their superior. Sources close to the nuns indicate the Vatican is "in principle" supportive of their remaining at the convent, though an official ruling is pending.
Background of the Dispute
Relocation and Return
In December 2023, Provost Markus Grasl of Reichersberg Abbey arranged for the nuns to be moved from Schloss Goldenstein to an elder care facility. Grasl cited the convent's stone stairs and other physical conditions as unsuitable for the sisters' advanced ages.
The nuns stated they were moved against their will and wished to remain at their long-term residence, citing the church law of stabilitas loci (vow of permanence).
In September 2024, the sisters returned to the convent with assistance from former pupils, supporters, and a locksmith. Grasl characterized their return as a violation of their vow of obedience. Following their return, local supporters provided round-the-clock care, security, and reinstalled amenities including a stair lift and replaced locks.
Conditions and Rejection
Grasl initially offered the nuns continued residency at the convent, contingent upon three conditions:
- Cessation of all social media activities
- Discontinuation of communication with the press
- Foregoing legal counsel
The nuns rejected these terms, characterizing them as a "gag order." Both parties subsequently appealed to the Vatican for a resolution.
Vatican Involvement
Review Process
The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF), a Vatican department overseeing religious discipline, is reviewing the case. While an official ruling may take months to issue, sources close to the nuns reported that the Vatican is "in principle" in favor of allowing them to remain at the convent.
The Vatican responded to a letter from the nuns detailing their complaints against Provost Grasl and the Reichersberg foundation, stating it was "working to find a just, humane, and sustainable solution" and advised the sisters to "seek inner peace and reflection in the spirit of seclusion."
Vatican Assistance
Munich-based canon law scholar Wolfgang Rothe, advising the nuns, stated that the Vatican Dicastery responsible for religious orders has decided in the sisters' favor, allowing them to remain at the convent. The Vatican has not confirmed this decision.
Rothe also stated that the Vatican appointed Abbot Jakob Auer as an assistant to Provost Grasl to care for the sisters' needs, a move confirmed by Grasl's spokesperson, Harald Schiffl.
Social Media Engagement
The nuns developed a significant online presence through an Instagram account (@nonnen_goldenstein), which garnered between 185,000 and nearly 300,000 followers, along with a Facebook following. Videos and posts shared aspects of their daily lives, including prayer, meals, and exercise routines.
Social Media Restrictions
The Vatican requested that the sisters pause their social media activity for Advent and Christmas, a request they accepted. This reduction in activity was reportedly understood to improve their prospects of remaining at the convent.
On Wednesday, the nuns released a statement asserting that posts and comments on the Instagram account were not brought to their attention or subsequently approved by them. They stated that any continued activity on the account during their announced pause would be "expressly against our will." The volunteer responsible for managing the Instagram account has continued to publish posts, disputing the nuns' claims of unawareness.
Following internal disputes among volunteers, an Austrian court ordered the account owner to stop posting in the sisters' name. The account, now named church_fluencer, has posted questions about the sisters' welfare. A supporter, Christina Wirtenberger, launched a new account, realnonnengoldenstein.
Upcoming Rome Visit
Thanks to an anonymous donation, the nuns are scheduled to travel to Rome within the next two months, accompanied by medical staff. They are expected to have an audience with Pope Leo XIV, who is also of the Augustinian order.
A spokesperson stated the sisters are "very happy" about the trip, noting they have never visited Rome before.
German Vatican analyst Andreas Englisch reported that he expects the nuns will receive a private audience with the pontiff.
Financial Allegations
Christina Wirtenberger stated that the nuns currently lack access to their pensions, which are reportedly administered by Provost Grasl. Wirtenberger also alleged that Grasl had improperly claimed state benefits to cover the nuns' care home expenses.
Schiffl confirmed that Grasl had since returned the welfare payments. Schiffl maintained there was no wrongdoing, explaining that the application for state benefits was initially approved, but authorities later revised their decision regarding eligibility.
Salzburg's district commissioner, Karin Gföllner, stated that the provost had not provided complete details of the sisters' financial situation. Authorities ceased benefit payments upon receiving full information.
Statements from Parties
Provost Markus Grasl: Grasl accused the sisters of breaking their vow of obedience by leaving the care home and stated the convent conditions were unsuitable. His spokesperson, Harald Schiffl, stated the provost did not comprehend the nuns' rejection of his offer and defended the social media conditions as necessary due to the accounts' perceived disconnect from religious life.
The Nuns: The sisters stated they were moved against their will and desire to remain at their convent. They described the provost's conditions as restrictive and expressed concern about being silenced without media access.
They conveyed "heartfelt gratitude" to their social media followers, stating that "without the support of the media, we would have been defenseless and helpless against the ruthlessness and arbitrariness of our superior."
Abbot Jakob Auer: Auer expressed concern over being unable to reach the sisters since Tuesday, stating that they were "on the verge of finalizing an agreement regarding the sisters' continued stay at Schloss Goldenstein" and that he fears "they are being deliberately kept away from me."