Elderly Augustinian Nuns Defy Church, Return to Goldenstein Convent in Austria

Nuns Reclaim Convent Home

Three elderly Augustinian nuns have made international headlines after returning to their long-time convent, Schloss Goldenstein, near Salzburg, Austria, earlier this month. Sister Bernadette, 88; Sister Regina, 86; and Sister Rita, aged either 81 or 82, reportedly left a nursing home and, with the assistance of former students and a locksmith, regained entry to the convent they had called home for decades. The sisters are now refusing to return to the care facility, sparking a debate with church authorities.

Dispute Over Relocation

The nuns' return on September 4 follows their relocation to a nursing home, identified as Schloss Kahlsperg in Hallein or a Caritas nursing home, in December 2023. The sisters contend that this move was against their will, despite having been granted a 'lifelong right of residence' at the convent. Sister Bernadette was quoted saying, 'We weren't asked. We had the right to stay here until the end of our lives and that was broken.' She also stated, 'I have been obedient all my life, but it was too much.' Sister Rita expressed her relief, saying, 'I am so pleased to be home. I was always homesick at the care home. I am so happy and thankful to be back.'

Church's Stance and Regulations

Church authorities, including the Archdiocese of Salzburg and Provost Markus Grasl of Reichersberg Abbey, who became the nuns' superior, have defended the initial decision to move the sisters. They cite the nuns' 'precarious health' and the 'structural condition of the monastery' as reasons why independent living at Goldenstein was no longer sustainable. Provost Grasl stated that the decision was made 'for the well-being of the sisters and out of concern for them,' adding that the rooms in the monastery 'no longer meet the requirements for orderly care.' The community had dwindled, and under the Vatican's Cor Orans regulations, communities with fewer than five nuns can no longer elect their own superior. The convent's ownership was transferred to the Archdiocese of Salzburg and Reichersberg Abbey in 2022, and the community was officially dissolved in early 2024.

Community Support and Ongoing Situation

Upon their return, the nuns found the convent initially without electricity or running water, but supporters, including former students, quickly provided assistance, bringing water, emergency generators, and arranging medical checks. The sisters have since become active on Instagram, amassing thousands of followers and documenting their daily life and interviews. They remain resolute in their decision, with Sister Bernadette reportedly saying, 'Before I die in that old people's home, I would rather go to a meadow and enter eternity that way.' Provost Grasl has expressed his dismay, calling the situation 'completely incomprehensible' and accusing the nuns of acting 'against the vows they have voluntarily taken.' The 'monastery revolt,' as some Austrian media have termed it, continues to draw significant public interest.