Austrian Nuns Allowed to Stay in Convent Amid Social Media Controversy
Three Austrian nuns in their 80s have been granted permission to remain in their former convent, Kloster Goldenstein, following their dramatic return from a care home. However, the Church has stipulated that they must cease their popular social media activities in order to stay.
Why It Matters
This situation highlights the intersection of tradition and modernity within religious institutions. The nuns’ story has garnered significant attention, raising questions about the roles and freedoms of elderly residents in religious communities, alongside the implications of social media in engaging wider audiences.
Key Developments
- The nuns can remain at Kloster Goldenstein for now, but must halt their social media presence.
- They initially returned to the convent in September 2023, with support from former students.
- Church authorities expressed frustration over the nuns’ decision to leave the care home against their wishes.
- Public support has surged, with the nuns amassing nearly 100,000 Instagram followers and thousands more on Facebook.
Full Report
Permitted Stay with Conditions
A spokesperson for Provost Markus Grasl announced that the three nuns—Sister Bernadette (88), Sister Regina (86), and Sister Rita (82)—may continue residing in the convent. However, this arrangement comes with the condition that they cease their social media postings. The provost’s office emphasized the need to restrict access to the convent’s enclosed areas to non-members of their order, ensuring the nuns receive necessary medical care and spiritual guidance from a priest in return.
A Standoff with the Church
The nuns’ return to Kloster Goldenstein created a rift with church officials, who labeled their actions as “completely incomprehensible.” After being relocated to a care home in December 2023 against their will, the nuns used former students and a locksmith to regain entry to their convent. Their situation has sparked global interest, with social media posts showcasing their daily activities, including prayer, meals, and even workout sessions led by Sister Rita.
A Gagging Contract?
Amid negotiations regarding their future, the nuns expressed dissatisfaction with the Church’s proposal, characterizing the terms as a gagging contract. They argued that limiting their social media activity would strip away their only means of public support and protection.
Context & Previous Events
The three nuns have dedicated much of their lives to the convent, which has operated as both a religious site and a school since 1877. With dwindling numbers of nuns, the community was officially dissolved at the start of 2024 following its takeover by the Archdiocese of Salzburg. The nuns have been granted lifelong residency, contingent upon their health, following the completion of the transfer to the care home last December. Their strong desire to return to their home illustrates the personal stakes involved in this ongoing narrative.
