Elderly Nuns' Dramatic Escape Brings Hope for Permanent Return to Convent
Three Austrian nuns in their eighties, who made headlines last year by escaping from a care home and breaking back into their convent, are now reportedly a significant step closer to being allowed to remain there permanently. Sisters Bernadette, Regina, and Rita, members of the Augustinian order, orchestrated their return to Schloss Goldenstein convent in Elsbethen near Salzburg in September with assistance from former pupils and supporters.
Vatican's Positive Signals Amid Ongoing Decision Process
The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Vatican department responsible for religious discipline, has not yet issued an official ruling on the nuns' fate, a process that could take several more months. However, sources close to the sisters indicate that plans for them to travel to Rome represent a positive development in their favor. An aide familiar with the situation told Austrian media that the Vatican is "in principle" supportive of granting the nuns permission to stay in their convent.
Conflict with Religious Superior Over Obedience Vows
The nuns have been engaged in a contentious dispute with their superior, Provost Markus Grasl from nearby Reichersberg Abbey, who accused them of violating their "vow of obedience" by leaving the care home where they were relocated in 2023. Grasl argued that the convent's multiple stone staircases and other physical challenges made it unsuitable for women of their advanced age. The sisters counter that they were moved against their will and wish to spend their final years in the convent where they've lived most of their lives, citing the church principle of stabilitas loci - the vow of permanence made when entering religious life.
Local Support and Practical Assistance
Since their return, local supporters have provided round-the-clock care and security for the elderly nuns, including reinstalling locks that had been changed during their absence and restoring a previously removed stair lift. The community's practical assistance has been crucial in maintaining the nuns' presence at Schloss Goldenstein while awaiting the Vatican's decision.
Planned Vatican Visit and Papal Audience
Thanks to an anonymous donation, the three nuns are scheduled to travel to Rome within the next two months, accompanied by medical personnel. They are expected to have an audience with Pope Leo XIV, a fellow Augustinian to whom they had previously appealed for intervention. A spokesperson for the nuns expressed their excitement about the upcoming journey, noting they have never visited Rome before.
Social Media Campaign and Recent Withdrawal
The sisters built considerable public support through active Instagram and Facebook accounts where they shared clips of their daily lives and demonstrated their fitness to remain in the convent. However, they significantly reduced their social media presence at the end of last year following an agreement with Vatican officials, reportedly to improve their chances of a favorable outcome. The nuns had written to the Vatican complaining about their treatment by Grasl and the Reichersberg foundation, which co-owns the convent building with the Salzburg archdiocese.
Vatican's Response and Nuns' Gratitude
The Dicastery responded to the nuns' letter by stating it was "working to find a just, humane, and sustainable solution" to the conflict while asking the sisters to "seek inner peace and reflection in the spirit of seclusion." The nuns expressed gratitude for public support, acknowledging that without media attention they would have been "helplessly exposed to the ruthlessness and arbitrariness of our superior." Their case continues to attract international attention as they await the Vatican's final decision about their future home.
