Three Austrian nuns in their 80s have run away from the old people's home where they were placed and gone back to their former convent. Sister Bernadette, 88, Sister Regina, 86, and Sister Rita, 82, are the last three nuns at the Kloster Goldenstein convent in Elsbethen, just outside Salzburg. They regained access with the help of former students and a locksmith.
Church authorities are not happy, but the nuns are. I am so pleased to be home, Sister Rita said. I was always homesick at the care home. I am so happy and thankful to be back. The trio say they were taken out of the convent against their will in December 2023. We weren't asked, Sister Bernadette said.
The three nuns have spent much of their lives at Schloss Goldenstein, which has been a convent and private girls' school since 1877. Despite losing some amenities, supporters have helped restore power and provide food.
Sister Bernadette expressed her frustrations about being obedient all her life but insisted that this situation was too much. The Provost of the abbey overseeing the nuns stated that their decision to return was completely incomprehensible, citing their health and the conditions of the convent. Nevertheless, the nuns show determination, with Sister Bernadette stating, Before I die in that old people's home, I would rather go to a meadow and enter eternity that way. Their journey back has resonated with many in the community, and videos of their life have begun circulating online, highlighting their enduring spirit and the connections they've forged through years of teaching.
Church authorities are not happy, but the nuns are. I am so pleased to be home, Sister Rita said. I was always homesick at the care home. I am so happy and thankful to be back. The trio say they were taken out of the convent against their will in December 2023. We weren't asked, Sister Bernadette said.
The three nuns have spent much of their lives at Schloss Goldenstein, which has been a convent and private girls' school since 1877. Despite losing some amenities, supporters have helped restore power and provide food.
Sister Bernadette expressed her frustrations about being obedient all her life but insisted that this situation was too much. The Provost of the abbey overseeing the nuns stated that their decision to return was completely incomprehensible, citing their health and the conditions of the convent. Nevertheless, the nuns show determination, with Sister Bernadette stating, Before I die in that old people's home, I would rather go to a meadow and enter eternity that way. Their journey back has resonated with many in the community, and videos of their life have begun circulating online, highlighting their enduring spirit and the connections they've forged through years of teaching.
