Austrian Nuns Await Vatican Decision on Convent Dispute and Social Media Use
Three nuns residing at Schloss Goldenstein convent in Salzburg, Austria, are awaiting a decision from the Vatican regarding their status. The situation involves a dispute with their superior, Provost Markus Grasl, and concerns related to their social media engagement.
Background of the Dispute
In September, Sisters Rita, Regina, and Bernadette returned to their convent, stating they had been placed in a care home against their will by Provost Grasl. This action, which included engaging with an Austrian tabloid, led Provost Grasl to accuse the sisters of breaking their vows.
Provost Grasl subsequently agreed to allow the nuns to remain at the convent "until further notice." This agreement was contingent upon them ceasing social media activity, refraining from engaging with the press, and discontinuing legal counsel. The nuns rejected these conditions, characterizing them as a "gag order."
Last week, the Vatican requested that the sisters pause their social media activity for Advent and Christmas, a request they accepted. Both parties have appealed to the Vatican for a resolution. Vatican authorities have informed the sisters that they are working to identify a "just and humane, and sustainable solution."
Social Media Engagement
The nuns maintain an Instagram account (@nonnen_goldenstein) with over 280,000 followers. Harald Schiffl, a spokesperson for Provost Grasl, stated that the sisters' social media presence "has very little to do with real religious life" and indicated the abbey's desire for the account to be discontinued. Sister Bernadette, however, stated that the account's purpose was to "spread the word and help a new generation find Jesus in their hearts."
On Wednesday, the nuns released a statement asserting that posts and comments on the Instagram account were not brought to their attention or subsequently approved by them. They also stated that any continued activity on the account during their announced pause from social media would be "expressly against our will." The volunteer responsible for managing the Instagram account has continued to publish posts, disputing the nuns' claims of unawareness.
The nuns conveyed "heartfelt gratitude" to their social media followers, stating that "without the support of the media, we would have been defenseless and helpless against the ruthlessness and arbitrariness of our superior."
Financial Allegations
Christina Wirtenberger, a supporter of the nuns, stated that the nuns currently lack access to their pensions, which are reportedly administered by Provost Grasl. Wirtenberger also alleged that Provost Grasl had improperly claimed state benefits to cover the nuns' care home expenses.
Schiffl confirmed that Provost Grasl had since returned the welfare payments. Schiffl maintained that there was no wrongdoing, explaining that the application for state benefits for the sisters was initially approved, but authorities later revised their decision regarding eligibility. Salzburg's district commissioner, Karin Gföllner, stated that the provost had not provided complete details of the sisters' financial situation. Authorities ceased benefit payments upon receiving full information.
Nuns' Request to Vatican
The nuns have formally requested the Vatican to relieve Provost Grasl of his duties to their order. Sister Bernadette remarked, "We simply hope that God's hand will guide what happens."