Dispute Over Nuns' Residency and Social Media Use in Austria
A situation involving three Augustinian nuns – Sister Bernadette (88), Sister Regina (86), and Sister Rita (82) – at a convent near Salzburg, Austria, has escalated, leading to a request for Vatican intervention. The dispute centers on the nuns' continued residency at their convent and conditions imposed by church authorities, specifically regarding social media engagement.
Background of the Dispute
Approximately two years prior, the nuns were moved to a care home by church authorities, a decision they stated was against their will. Following this, Reichersberg Abbey and the Archdiocese of Salzburg acquired the convent. The nuns assert they were not informed that signing documents would relinquish their perceived lifelong right to reside in the cloister. The nuns subsequently returned to the convent, a move that garnered media attention, and they have gained significant support, including over 185,000 followers on their Instagram account.
Provost's Offer and Nuns' Rejection
Provost Markus Grasl of Reichersberg Abbey offered the nuns continued residency. This offer, however, was contingent upon several conditions:
- Cessation of all social media activities.
- Discontinuation of communication with the press.
- Foregoing legal counsel.
In response, the nuns rejected these terms. Sister Regina stated via Instagram that they could not accept the deal, expressing concern about being silenced without media access. Sister Bernadette commented to her followers that a resolution was required, contingent on being in accordance with divine will and human reason. The nuns also described the provost's conditions as restrictive in a public statement.
Legal and External Perspectives
Wolfgang Rothe, a canon law scholar and priest, characterized the provost's demands as lacking a legal basis under both church and state laws. He asserted that the conditions constituted a violation of the sisters' human rights. Rothe also noted that the proposed agreement, which prohibits laypeople, including the sisters' long-term helpers, from entering the cloisters, contained no provisions to prevent a future removal of the sisters.
Harald Schiffl, a spokesperson for Provost Grasl, stated that the provost did not comprehend the nuns' rejection of his offer. Schiffl defended the social media conditions, explaining that the abbey wished to discontinue the accounts due to their perceived disconnect from religious life. Sister Bernadette, however, highlighted the provost's own media engagements, citing a 2022 photo shoot with an Austrian TV chef, and suggesting media use can aid fundraising.
Vatican Involvement
Following the nuns' rejection of the conditions, Provost Grasl requested intervention from Vatican authorities responsible for religious orders. The Vatican has not yet issued a public statement regarding the situation. The nuns continue to use social media, including following the papal Instagram account, as they await developments from Rome.
Schiffl concluded that the resolution of the situation now rests with Rome.