Three elderly Polish nuns fled their care home in early September, returned to their monastery near Salzburg, and were met with a conditional ultimatum from church authorities.
Escape from the Nursing Home
The three nuns—Regina, aged 86, Rita, 81, and Bernadetta, 88—escaped from a nursing home where they had stayed since 2023. They were aided by students and a locksmith, a move that shocked church officials.
Return to Goldenstein Monastery
After fleeing, they returned to the Goldenstein Castle monastery in Elsbethen, near Salzburg, where they spent most of their lives. The sisters said they had followed the monastic rule but could not bear leaving the home.
Public Reaction and Social Media
The sisters’ story attracted wide attention online; their Instagram account has over 100,000 followers and received significant support from netizens.
Church Issues Ultimatum
On Friday the church gave the sisters a conditional offer: they could remain at Goldenstein for a time but had to stop all social‑media activity immediately. The church also promised medical care, but would force them back if health declined.
Nuns Reject Conditional Offer
The sisters and their spokesperson, Christina Wirtenberger, declined the deal, saying it was unilateral and not negotiated with them or their representatives, citing legal concerns.
