Defiant Austrian nuns break back into abandoned Alpine convent
Three elderly nuns escaped a care home and returned to their former Goldenstein convent near Salzburg, challenging church authorities.
Three Austrian nuns in their 80s defied church orders by escaping a care home and breaking back into their former Goldenstein convent near Salzburg. The convent, housed in Schloss Goldenstein since 1877, was home to the sisters for decades before it was taken over by the Archdiocese of Salzburg and Reichersberg Abbey. Despite the official dissolution of their community and provision for lifelong residence in a care facility, Sisters Bernadette (88), Regina (86) and Rita (82) orchestrated a return with the help of former students and a locksmith.
Since moving back in early September, the sisters have partially restored electricity and water, received medical visits, and welcomed a steady stream of supporters and former pupils. They insist on staying, asserting their right to live out their days at the convent they served as teachers and headmistress.
The nuns’ return highlights a struggle between institutional authority and individual agency, as three women reclaim their lifelong home against ecclesiastical decisions.
This topic was reported by BBC.
Discover the latest news and current events in World News as of 13-09-2025. The article titled " Defiant Austrian nuns break back into abandoned Alpine convent " provides you with the most relevant and reliable information in the World News field. Each news piece is thoroughly analyzed to deliver valuable insights to our readers.
The information in " Defiant Austrian nuns break back into abandoned Alpine convent " helps you make better-informed decisions within the World News category. Our news articles are continuously updated and adhere to journalistic standards.