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.

Sister Rita told the BBC:

“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.”