Elderly Nuns Occupy Former Monastery in Austria Amidst Controversy

In a remarkable turn of events in Austria, three elderly nuns have made headlines by occupying the abandoned Goldenstein Monastery near Salzburg. These women, aged between 80 and 86, have moved out of their nursing home to reclaim their former residence, where they lived until two years ago.

The nuns, identified as members of the Augustinian choir, have publicly stated their intention to remain in the monastery despite opposition from church authorities. The director of the Stift Reichersberg, Probst Markus Grasl, has urged the nuns to return to the nursing home, citing concerns about their health and the unsuitability of the monastery for their medical needs. However, the nuns have resisted these calls, indicating that they are determined to live in the monastery.

The nuns have garnered support from former students and community members who are assisting them with food, medical care, and media outreach. One of the supporters, Christina Wirtenberger, highlighted the longstanding relationship between the nuns and the local community, noting that they previously contributed significantly to the education of many children in the area.

Despite assurances that they would be allowed to remain in the monastery, the nuns were relocated to the nursing home against their wishes. Sister Bernadette has expressed her strong desire to avoid the nursing home, declaring that she would rather not live there for the rest of her life.

Social media has played a crucial role in this situation, with the nuns sharing their daily activities on platforms like Instagram, showcasing their prayers, meals, and even humorous moments, such as challenges to their mobility. This has helped to rally public support and raise awareness of their plight.

The internal church dynamics have become tense, with officials from the Augustinian federation criticizing the nuns' defiance. Sister Beate Brandt, the president of the federation, has publicly condemned their actions, asserting that such behavior cannot be tolerated within the church community.

As the situation continues to unfold, the church has maintained a firm stance, with no direct dialogue established between the nuns and the Probst since the beginning of the occupation. The future remains uncertain for the elderly nuns as they navigate the complexities of their desire for independence and the church's demands for compliance.