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Defiant Octogenarian Nuns Who Retook Their Convent Granted Temporary Reprieve

Three elderly Austrian nuns who escaped a care home and reclaimed their convent at Goldenstein Castle have been permitted to remain there "until further notice." Church officials say they will provide medical, nursing and priestly support while negotiations continue. Their superior has argued they need residential care and recently repaid about €64,000 tied to the sisters. The nuns have drawn public support and tens of thousands of social media followers.

06:13 PM, 11/28/2025Society
Defiant Octogenarian Nuns Who Retook Their Convent Granted Temporary Reprieve

Church officials have allowed three elderly Austrian nuns who reclaimed their convent to remain at Goldenstein Castle "until further notice," while offering medical, nursing and spiritual support.

Background

Sisters Rita (82), Regina (86) and Bernadette (88) drew international attention after escaping a Catholic-run care home last September — which they say they were sent to against their will — and forcing their way back into their long-abandoned convent at Goldenstein Castle in Elsbethen, near Salzburg, with assistance from supporters.

Dispute with Church Authorities

Their superior, Provost Markus Grasl of Reichersberg Abbey, argued the women required placement in a Catholic care home because of deteriorating health and accused them of breaching their vow of obedience. Local reports say Grasl recently repaid roughly €64,000 in social welfare benefits that had been received on the sisters' behalf.

Current Status and Care Plans

On Friday, church officials said the nuns may remain at Goldenstein while a proposed solution is negotiated. They pledged to arrange appropriate medical care, nursing assistance and spiritual support from a priest. Officials cautioned that if the sisters' health were to decline to the point that adequate care could not be provided at the convent, they would need to relocate to a nearby care facility.

"They can stay at Goldenstein until further notice," church representatives said, while stressing contingency plans for more intensive care if required.

Public Attention

Since their return the sisters have welcomed numerous visitors and supporters at the convent. Videos and posts showing their daily life have attracted tens of thousands of followers on social media, turning the situation into a high-profile mix of faith, autonomy and elder-care concerns.

The matter remains unresolved, but the temporary reprieve buys time for the church and the sisters to find a solution that balances the women's autonomy with their health and safety needs.

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