Three Austrian nuns in their 80s who ran away from the old people's home where they were placed have been told they can stay in their former convent 'until further notice'. However, Church authorities say they can only stay if they stop posting on social media.
Sister Bernadette, 88, Sister Regina, 86, and Sister Rita, 82, are the last nuns at the Kloster Goldenstein convent in Elsbethen, near Salzburg. In a statement released in their name, they said they were willing to reach an agreement in principle but their legitimate claims and needs would have to be taken seriously. They indicated they were not entirely happy with the Church's offer, saying it had the 'character of a gagging contract'.
The three nuns say they were taken out of the convent against their will in December 2023. In September, they moved back in with the help of former students and a locksmith, angering Church officials. Their superior, Provost Markus Grasl from Reichersberg Abbey, called on them to return to the care home, saying their decision to return to the convent was 'completely incomprehensible'.
The nuns' story sparked worldwide interest, with supporters helping them with food, electricity, and social media, posting videos of their daily lives. The nuns have amassed almost 100,000 followers on Instagram and several thousand on Facebook.
After nearly three months of standoff, a spokesman for the Provost has confirmed that the nuns can stay for now, but only under conditions that include ceasing their social media activities. Church officials also require that the enclosed part of the convent remain inaccessible to unauthorized individuals. In return, they are to receive medical care and spiritual support from a priest.
'Now it's up to the sisters,' said Harald Schiffl, stressing the situation's legal complexity. The three nuns have lived in Schloss Goldenstein for decades, which has housed a convent and a school since 1877. Their fight raises significant questions about autonomy for the elderly, the influence of social media, and how society views elders in these situations. As Sister Bernadette aptly put it, 'Before I die in that old people's home, I would rather go to a meadow and enter eternity that way.'
Sister Bernadette, 88, Sister Regina, 86, and Sister Rita, 82, are the last nuns at the Kloster Goldenstein convent in Elsbethen, near Salzburg. In a statement released in their name, they said they were willing to reach an agreement in principle but their legitimate claims and needs would have to be taken seriously. They indicated they were not entirely happy with the Church's offer, saying it had the 'character of a gagging contract'.
The three nuns say they were taken out of the convent against their will in December 2023. In September, they moved back in with the help of former students and a locksmith, angering Church officials. Their superior, Provost Markus Grasl from Reichersberg Abbey, called on them to return to the care home, saying their decision to return to the convent was 'completely incomprehensible'.
The nuns' story sparked worldwide interest, with supporters helping them with food, electricity, and social media, posting videos of their daily lives. The nuns have amassed almost 100,000 followers on Instagram and several thousand on Facebook.
After nearly three months of standoff, a spokesman for the Provost has confirmed that the nuns can stay for now, but only under conditions that include ceasing their social media activities. Church officials also require that the enclosed part of the convent remain inaccessible to unauthorized individuals. In return, they are to receive medical care and spiritual support from a priest.
'Now it's up to the sisters,' said Harald Schiffl, stressing the situation's legal complexity. The three nuns have lived in Schloss Goldenstein for decades, which has housed a convent and a school since 1877. Their fight raises significant questions about autonomy for the elderly, the influence of social media, and how society views elders in these situations. As Sister Bernadette aptly put it, 'Before I die in that old people's home, I would rather go to a meadow and enter eternity that way.'
