Three Austrian nuns in their 80s, who ran away from the old people's home where they were placed, have been permitted to stay in their former convent until further notice. However, the Church has laid down a condition: they must cease their engagements on social media. Sister Bernadette (88), Sister Regina (86), and Sister Rita (82) are the last residing nuns at Kloster Goldenstein in Elsbethen, near Salzburg, a convent they claim to have been removed from against their will in December 2023.
The nuns have gained attention for their social media posts, which feature their daily lives, including exercise workouts and various peaceful activities, amassing nearly 100,000 followers on platforms like Instagram. In a recent statement, the nuns expressed their dissatisfaction with the Church's offer, labeling it a gagging contract.
Supporters and former students have helped them return to the convent after their initial removal, with Church officials condemning their actions as completely incomprehensible. Following negotiations, Church spokesperson Harald Schiffl revealed that the nuns would be allowed to continue residing at the convent but would need to restrict outside access to their living areas and abandon their social media activities.
This situation has sparked widespread interest, with many rallying around the nuns in support of their right to autonomy in their later years. As Sister Bernadette famously stated, she would rather avoid life in a care home at all costs, showing their determination to seek freedom and respect for their wishes as they navigate this complex relationship with ecclesiastical authority.
The nuns have gained attention for their social media posts, which feature their daily lives, including exercise workouts and various peaceful activities, amassing nearly 100,000 followers on platforms like Instagram. In a recent statement, the nuns expressed their dissatisfaction with the Church's offer, labeling it a gagging contract.
Supporters and former students have helped them return to the convent after their initial removal, with Church officials condemning their actions as completely incomprehensible. Following negotiations, Church spokesperson Harald Schiffl revealed that the nuns would be allowed to continue residing at the convent but would need to restrict outside access to their living areas and abandon their social media activities.
This situation has sparked widespread interest, with many rallying around the nuns in support of their right to autonomy in their later years. As Sister Bernadette famously stated, she would rather avoid life in a care home at all costs, showing their determination to seek freedom and respect for their wishes as they navigate this complex relationship with ecclesiastical authority.
