Austrian Nuns Who Escaped Care Home to Return to Convent May Get to Stay
Three elderly nuns who escaped from a care home last year to return to their Austrian convent are a step closer to being allowed to stay permanently. Sisters Bernadette, Regina and Rita are planning a trip to Rome, which sources say is a positive sign from the Vatican.
Sisters Rita, Regina and Bernadette, all in their 80s, made headlines last year when they broke out of their nursing home and returned to their old convent at Schloss Goldenstein near Salzburg, Austria. The three nuns had spent most of their lives at the castle convent.
The Catholic Church initially gave them permission to stay "until further notice" in November, but only if they agreed to stay off social media. The nuns had gained an Instagram following during their rebellion, with Sister Rita saying "People are calling us the rebellious sisters!"
Now sources close to the nuns say they are planning a trip to Rome, which is seen as a positive sign that the Vatican may allow them to stay permanently. The local community has supported the nuns throughout their fight to return home.
The case has drawn attention to how elderly religious communities are handled when convents close or merge with care facilities.
This unusual story highlights the struggle many elderly people face when forced to leave familiar places for care facilities. It also shows how social media can help older people gain public support for their causes.
The nuns' trip to Rome will likely determine whether they can stay at their convent permanently.
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