Goldenstein Monastery Drama: Trio of Nuns Return to Their Old Convent

Elsbethen, Salzburg – September 13, 2025
Three elderly nuns — Sister Bernadette (88), Sister Regina (86), and Sister Rita (82) — have made headlines by leaving the retirement home where they were placed and re-entering their former convent, Goldenstein Monastery in Elsbethen, near Salzburg. They say they’ve exercised a right to return, while the Church hierarchy maintains concern about their safety and well-being.

What Happened

In December 2023, the nuns were moved from their convent to a Caritas retirement home in Oberalm. The Archdiocese and Provost Markus Grasl said this was necessary due to health and care needs.

The Goldenstein convent had been officially dissolved in early 2024, though the building had been under the ownership of the Archbishopric of Salzburg (alongside the Reichersberg Abbey). As part of the dissolution, the nuns were granted a lifelong right of residence, with the caveat that health and spiritual condition “allow” it.

According to the nuns, they were moved against their will and then locked out of their old rooms. The building keys were changed; they were denied access to their belongings.

Earlier this month, with the help of a locksmith and some former students, the three gained entry back into the old convent. They have restored some water and electricity and are being supported by volunteers and past pupils with food and medical check-ups.

What They Say

Sister Bernadette insists their move is legal, invoking the contract that guaranteed lifetime residence. She says they simply “exercised their right.”

Sister Rita said: “I am so pleased to be home. I was always homesick at the care home.”

The nuns contest the narrative that they were unable to care for themselves, saying they are capable and prefer living in their old spiritual home despite its lack of modern amenities.

VOICES & QUOTES

> “I am so pleased to be home. I was always homesick at the care home.”

— Sister Rita

“We weren’t asked … We had the right to stay here until the end of our lives … And we are now exercising that right again.” — Sister Bernadette

What the Church’s Position Is

Provost Markus Grasl, of the Reichersberg Abbey and connected with the Archdiocese, has expressed worry. He claims the convent no longer meets standards of care: no proper access, insufficient infrastructure (e.g. elevator blocked, rooms deemed not usable), lack of proper medical supervision.

The Archdiocese holds that at the retirement home the nuns receive “essential, professional, and good medical care.”

They argue that Goldenstein, though home to the nuns for decades, is no longer suitable for elderly people with medical or mobility issues.

Current Situation & Implications

The building was in disrepair; amenities had been largely shut off. To live there again, the nuns needed help restoring electricity and water.

They are financially dependent on external support, since their bank accounts have reportedly been frozen.

Former students are providing food and other assistance; a doctor has visited.

The dispute raises broader questions: what are the rights of long-serving religious workers in the Church? At what point does care home placement override prior commitments of residence? How are aging clergy & religious persons cared for?

What’s at Stake

For the nuns, this is a matter of identity, dignity, and spiritual belonging. Goldenstein wasn’t just a building; it shaped them and many others. Their supporters see this as a stand against institutional betrayal.

For the Church, there’s risk: if elderly religious are allowed to return to buildings that may not comply with safety, health  accessibility standards, there could be liability, health risks, and public relations strain.

For wider society, the story touches on elder care, autonomy, property rights, and religious commitments versus practical needs.

Eyewitnesses & Color

Former students recall the convent’s school influencing generations; Goldenstein had long been both a spiritual home and a school.

In one published video, Sister Rita challenges doubters of her mobility: she invites anyone to a race, to prove she can still move about despite age.

Conclusion

The three nuns’ return to Goldenstein Monastery sets up a dramatic confrontation: spiritual rights vs institutional responsibility, aging vs dignity, contract vs practicality. Whether their bold act will lead to a peaceful resolution or escalate into legal, medical, or ecclesiastical conflict remains to be seen.