A situation involving three elderly Augustinian nuns and church authorities in Austria, concerning their residency at Kloster Goldenstein convent and conditions related to social media use, is now awaiting a decision from the Vatican. The nuns rejected conditions proposed by Provost Markus Grasl of Reichersberg Abbey, which included ceasing social media activity, discontinuing communication with the press, and foregoing legal counsel. Both parties have appealed to the Vatican for a resolution.
Background of the Dispute
The three nuns – Sister Bernadette (88), Sister Regina (86), and Sister Rita (82) – are the last remaining members associated with the Kloster Goldenstein convent, located in Elsbethen, near Salzburg. The nuns state they were moved to a care home by church authorities, a decision they opposed. This move reportedly occurred in December 2023 according to one source, while another indicates the initial relocation or the start of the overall situation was approximately two years prior.
Following the nuns' move, Reichersberg Abbey and the Archdiocese of Salzburg acquired the convent. The nuns asserted they were not informed that signing documents would relinquish their claim of a lifelong right to reside in the cloister.
In September, the nuns returned to the convent with assistance from former students and a locksmith. This action was contrary to the directives of Provost Grasl, who characterized their decision to return as "completely incomprehensible." Provost Grasl also accused the sisters of breaking their vows following their return, which reportedly included engaging with an Austrian tabloid.
Conditions for Residency and Nuns' Rejection
Provost Grasl subsequently offered the nuns continued residency at Kloster Goldenstein. This offer, however, was contingent upon several conditions:
- Cessation of all social media activities.
- Discontinuation of communication with the press.
- Foregoing legal counsel.
- Ensuring that the enclosed section of the convent is accessible only to members of the religious order.
The nuns rejected these terms, describing the conditions as "restrictive" and a "gag order." 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.
Harald Schiffl, a spokesperson for Provost Grasl, stated that the provost did not comprehend the nuns' rejection of his offer.
Social Media Engagement
The nuns' situation garnered significant public attention, and their social media accounts, including Instagram (@nonnen_goldenstein), accumulated a large following. Reports on follower counts ranged from over 100,000 to more than 280,000. Videos depicting the nuns' daily lives, such as prayer and meals, were shared online. Supporters provided assistance including food, electricity, and social media management.
Provost Grasl's spokesperson, Harald Schiffl, defended the social media conditions, stating that the abbey wished to discontinue the accounts due to their view that the social media presence "has very little to do with real religious life." Sister Bernadette, however, highlighted Provost Grasl's own media engagements, citing a 2022 photo shoot with an Austrian TV chef, and suggested media use can aid fundraising. The nuns stated their account's purpose was to "spread the word and help a new generation find Jesus in their hearts."
The Vatican later requested that the sisters pause their social media activity for Advent and Christmas, a request they accepted. However, the nuns released a statement asserting that posts and comments on the Instagram account were not brought to their attention or approved by them, and any continued activity during their announced pause would be "expressly against our will." The volunteer responsible for managing the Instagram account disputed 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."
Legal and External Perspectives
Wolfgang Rothe, a canon law scholar and priest, stated that the provost's demands lacked a legal basis under both church and state laws. He further stated that the conditions constituted a violation of the sisters' human rights. Rothe also noted that the proposed agreement, which prohibited laypeople, including the sisters' long-term helpers, from entering the cloisters, contained no provisions to prevent a future removal of the sisters.
Financial Allegations
Christina Wirtenberger, a supporter of the nuns, alleged 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.
Harald Schiffl confirmed that Provost Grasl had since returned the welfare payments. Schiffl maintained 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.
Vatican Intervention
Following the nuns' rejection of the conditions, Provost Grasl requested intervention from Vatican authorities responsible for religious orders. Both Provost Grasl and the nuns 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." The Vatican has not yet issued a public statement regarding the situation.
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." According to Schiffl, the resolution of the situation now rests with Rome.