Three Austrian nuns flee care home to return to childhood convent
Three Austrian nuns have fled a Catholic care home to return to the Goldenstein Convent near Salzburg, where they spent most of their lives. The sisters, aged between 82 and 88, were assisted in their move by former pupils and a locksmith.
Decades in the convent
Sister Bernadette (88), Sister Regina (86) and Sister Rita (82) lived and taught for decades at Goldenstein Castle, a convent and girls’ school since 1877. Bernadette arrived in 1948 and counted the famous actress Romy Schneider among her classmates. Regina joined in 1958, followed by Rita in 1962. All three spent many years teaching at the castle, with Regina also serving as headmistress for a time.
Forced relocation and the nuns’ return
In December 2023, the sisters were moved, against their wishes, to a Catholic care home, where they were reportedly unhappy. In early September, with help from former students and a locksmith, the women returned to the convent, despite it lacking electricity and running water at the time.
“I am so pleased to be home. I was always homesick at the care home. I am so happy and thankful to be back.”
Sister Bernadette added:
“I have been obedient all my life, but it was too much.”
Church response and medical concerns
Provost Markus Grasl called the decision “completely incomprehensible”, stressing that the convent’s rooms no longer meet the standards for professional care, and that the sisters would have had far better living conditions at the care home.
Nonetheless, the sisters’ health is being closely monitored since their return: electricity and water have been partially restored, doctors are visiting regularly, and their former students continue to support them daily.
Support from former students
Sophie Tauscher, one of their former pupils, commented:
“When they need us, they just have to call us and we will be there, for sure. The nuns here changed so many lives in such a good way. Goldenstein without the nuns is just not possible.”
The sisters have made it clear they are committed to a fresh start: they have returned to their roots and have no plans to leave again.
The BBC’s photo coverage can be viewed here.
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