The nun herself says she is unhappy with moving into a retirement home. Photo Credit: Anton Herrington/Shutterstock
Three elderly Austrian nuns caused headlines after fleeing the nursing home and returning to the former monastery near Salzburg.
The 88, 86 and 82-year-old women left the retired home earlier this month and were taken back to Kloster Goldenstein Abbey in Elsbeten, outside Salzburg. Reports say the nuns were helped by locksmiths, former students of the once honorable Catholic school, and other supporters.
The monastery was home to sisters of precious blood missionaries, a congregation known locally to run Goldenstein Girls School, which was open for over a century before closing in 2014. In early 2024, the Archdiocese of Salzburg officially disbanded the religious community, indicating the need for sisters. The last nun later moved to a nursing facility.
However, on September 4th, three older sisters returned to the old monastery. Supporters reported upon arrival that the building had no running water or electricity. Support was provided by sympathizers who arranged medical checks, basic supplies, and ongoing support to make the facility habitable. The nun herself says she is unhappy with moving to her retirement home, explaining that the relocation is taking place against their wishes. One was quoted as saying they wanted to stay at Goldenstein until the end of their lives, claiming that it was their legitimate home. Local media and international outlets describe this return as a symbolic act of rebellion, emphasizing the sisters’ resolve to maintain their independence despite their age and frailty. The story draws a great public interest as former Goldenstein School students have expressed support for the nun’s decision.
In unexpected development, the sisters are also sharing new chapters on social media. They launched an Instagram account where they posted daily updates on the life of the monastery, including attending mass, gardening, and preparing meals. Within a few days, the account had gained over 10,000 followers, bringing their stories to a global audience, connecting them with supporters far beyond Austria. The Archdiocese of Salzburg confirmed that the monastery no longer functions as an active religious community. Authorities also allowed nuns to return, but emphasized that their welfare arrangements remain under review. The church has not provided further details as to whether sisters will be allowed to stay permanently in the monastery or whether they may face pressure to return to residential care.
Contrary to the background of the Austrian Alps, Goldenstein Abbey retains a deep cultural and educational importance to the region. Generations of women were educated there before schools closed more than a decade ago. For many locals, the sight of the aging sisters returning has rekindled memories of the monastery’s prominent role in Salzburg’s Catholic life. Health concerns remain a pressing issue. The three women are in the 80s and late 80s. Authorities emphasize the need for proper care and facilities, especially given the lack of modern utility services at the monastery. The family doctor who visited the nun after returning home reportedly deemed them suitable for them to remain, at least for the time being.
For now, the sisters remain at Goldenstein, supported by loyal friends, former students and now thousands of online followers. Their dramatic breaks from nursing homes and their return to the monastery sparked debates in Austria about the autonomy, aging and rights of religious women in the Twilight of their lives.
