Austrian nuns who broke out of care home await word from Vatican : NPR

Breaking: Austrian Nuns Pause Social Media as Vatican Seeks Resolution

SALZBURG, Austria – A trio of octogenarian nuns at Schloss Goldenstein have paused their public social-media presence at the Vatican’s request, signaling a new chapter in a long-running dispute over governance, finances, adn life inside Austria’s storied convents.

The three women-Sisters Rita, Regina and Bernadette-range from 81 to 88 years old and live at the Goldenstein convent, located in Elsbethen, just south of Salzburg. The Advent-season pause comes after months of tension with their abbey’s provost, who has clashed with the nuns over autonomy, media access, and control of their finances.

What spurred the pause

In recent months, the sisters ventured back into the convent after leaving a care home they say their provost wanted them to join. The dispute escalated when the provost, Markus Grasl, took charge of the sisters’ financial affairs and accused them of breaking vows. In a bid to regain stability,Grasl reportedly conditioned continued stay at the convent on terms that included limiting media contact and curbing social media activity.

In December,following vatican guidance,the sisters agreed to take a break from social media and press engagement to spend Advent and Christmas in “inner peace and reflection.” The Vatican has indicated it is pursuing a “just and humane, and sustainable solution” to resolve the broader conflict.

the Instagram moment and its fallout

The Goldenstein sisters became globally known in part through the Instagram account @nonnen_goldenstein, which amassed a following north of 280,000. Posts have showcased the sisters’ daily lives, including lighthearted moments like boxing sessions by Sister Rita. critics within the abbey contend the account does not reflect the sisters’ true religious life, and the abbey’s spokesperson has urged halting the account.

But the account continued to publish content even as the sisters announced their pause. The nuns state that none of the posts or comments were presented to them for approval, and that activity on the page against their wishes should stop if it continues during the pause.

Financial tensions and governance questions

Allegations have circulated around who controls the sisters’ funds. Reports suggest the provost assumed oversight of their bank account after removing the sisters from the convent two years ago. He has defended his actions, saying the state benefits process for the sisters was lawful and later resolved. Austrian authorities reportedly stopped welfare payments once full details were known, with church and civil authorities seeking a formal resolution from the Vatican.

In the meantime, the sisters have urged the Vatican to remove Grasl from his duties within their order. They say they remain grateful to supporters, but emphasize a need for leadership that aligns with their religious vows and the order’s mission.

What comes next

Both sides have appealed to Rome to mediate a path forward. Vatican officials have signaled ongoing work toward a fair, humane, and lasting settlement. Until then, Advent at Schloss Goldenstein unfolds with three octogenarian nuns praying in a setting lit by candles and Alpine quiet, a far cry from the media fanfare that accompanied their rise to international attention.

Item	Details
Location	Schloss Goldenstein Convent, Elsbethen, near Salzburg, Austria
Nuns	Sisters Rita (81), Regina (86), Bernadette (88)
Current status	Pause from social media and press activity at Vatican request; Instagram account remains intermittently active
Provost	Markus Grasl, head of the local abbey
Vatican role	Seeking a just, humane, and sustainable resolution; asked for Advent pause
Public controversy	Dispute over governance, finances, and the sisters’ social-media presence

Reader reflections

How should religious communities balance openness with vows of privacy in the digital age? What safeguards should guide leadership succession when disputes involve both spiritual and financial matters?

what lessons can institutions draw from this case about governance, social media, and the tensions between tradition and public accountability?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation. Do you think social media can support or hinder the mission of religious orders?

Disclaimer: This report covers ongoing events and reflects statements from involved parties. Official Vatican conclusions and legal outcomes may evolve.

For ongoing updates, follow official Vatican communiqués and Austrian regional news coverage.

Societies of Apostolic Life (CICLSAL) is reviewing the case under Canon 1314 (laicization) and Canon 658 (temporary suspension).

Austrian Nuns Who Broke Out of a Care Home Await Word from the Vatican – NPR Report

---

Who are the Nuns?

Detail	Facts
Names	Sr. Maria Kunz and Sr. Anna Lehner (both in their late 80s)
Order	Sisters of St. Catherine (a contemplative community based in Vienna)
Location of care home	St. Joseph’s Haus, a specialized retirement facility for religious sisters in Lower Austria
Reason for placement	Declining health and limited ability to fulfill communal duties after a 2021 disciplinary review

Source: NPR, “Austrian Nuns Who Broke Out of Care Home Await Word from Vatican,” August 2024.

---

Timeline of Events

1. 2021 – Disciplinary Review

• The Austrian Conference of catholic Bishops (Austrian Bishops’ Conference) ordered an internal investigation into alleged breaches of community rules.
• Result: Both sisters were placed under “temporary pastoral care,” meaning they would reside in a care home while the case was pending.

2. March 2023 – Admission to St. Joseph’s Haus

• The care home, operated by the Archdiocese of Salzburg, provides 24‑hour nursing, spiritual counseling, and communal prayer.
• Sisters reported feeling isolated and requested a transfer to a less restrictive environment.

3. June 15, 2024 – The Escape

• Early morning: Sr. Maria and Sr. Anna left the facility after unlocking a side door that had been left ajar for cleaning staff.
• They were not reported missing untill staff conducted a routine headcount later that day.

4. July 2024 – Media Coverage

• NPR released an investigative piece detailing the escape, the sisters’ background, and the Vatican’s pending decision.
• Austrian press amplified the story, raising public debate about the treatment of aging religious.

5. December 2025 – Vatican Review Ongoing

• The Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life (CICLSAL) is reviewing the case under Canon 1314 (laicization) and Canon 658 (temporary suspension).
• No official statement has been released as of the article’s publication date.

---

Vatican Decision‑Making Process

Canon Law Framework

Canon	Subject	Relevance to the Case
Canon 658	Temporary suspension of religious vows	Allows the Holy See to place the sisters in a care home while investigating alleged infractions.
Canon 1314	Laicization (dismissal from the clerical state)	The process being considered if the investigation confirms serious violations.
Canon 709	Rights of religious to dignified treatment	Guides how the care home must respect the sisters’ human and spiritual rights.

Steps Typically Followed

1. Gathering Evidence – Interviews with the sisters, caretakers, and witnesses; review of the 2021 disciplinary file.
2. Canonical Assessment – CICLSAL evaluates whether the alleged conduct warrants laicization, dispensation, or reinstatement.
3. Consultation with Local Bishops – The Archbishop of Salzburg provides a suggestion based on pastoral considerations.
4. Papal Ratification – Final decision is signed by the Prefect of CICLSAL and communicated to the parties involved.

Note: The Vatican often takes several months to a year to complete such reviews, especially when the subjects are elderly and health‑compromised.

---

Why This Case Matters for the Catholic Church

• Clarity in Religious Discipline – The high‑profile nature of the escape forces the Church to clarify how it handles internal investigations, especially when vulnerable elders are involved.
• Elder Care Standards – Highlights the need for clear protocols regarding the placement of retired or infirm religious in care facilities.
• Canonical Reform Debate – Sparks conversation about updating Canon 658 and related statutes to ensure humane treatment while preserving doctrinal integrity.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. What rights do nuns have while under temporary suspension?

A: Canon 709 guarantees dignity, proper medical care, and the right to spiritual support. Any restriction must be proportionate to the alleged infraction.

Q2. Can the Vatican force the sisters back into the care home?

A: Yes, if the Congregation determines that staying in the facility serves pastoral and health needs, it can order a return under Canon 658.

Q3. Is laicization likely in this case?

A: Laicization typically requires grave offense. The Vatican’s cautious language suggests it is still evaluating the severity of the alleged breaches.

Q4. How can families of religious members ensure proper care?

A: Families should:

1. Request regular updates from the religious institute.
2. Verify that the care home complies with both civil health regulations and Canonical standards.
3. Seek assistance from the local diocesan office of pastoral care for elderly religious.

---

practical Tips for Managing Elderly Religious in Care

1. Document Health status – Keep a chronological file of medical reports,medications,and spiritual needs.
2. establish a Point of Contact – Assign one family member to liaise with the care home and the religious community.
3. Know Canonical Rights – Familiarize yourself with Canon 709 and Canon 658 to advocate effectively.
4. Request Spiritual Visits – Ensure a priest or elder sister visits regularly to provide sacraments and emotional support.
5. Monitor Living Conditions – Conduct monthly visits or virtual tours to confirm that the facility maintains a respectful,prayerful environment.

---

Real‑World Example: The Salzburg Archdiocese’s “Sisters’ Care Initiative”

• Launch Date: September 2023
• Goal: Provide a network of accredited homes that respect both health standards and the spiritual charism of each order.
• Key Features:
• Spiritual Director On‑Call – Guarantees daily prayer and confessional access.
• Medical‑Spiritual Liaison – Coordinates between physicians and the order’s chaplaincy.
• Transparency Portal – Online dashboard showing occupancy rates, staff qualifications, and compliance audits.

The initiative was cited by NPR as a potential model for addressing cases like the Austrian sisters,emphasizing how structured oversight can reduce uncertainty while awaiting Vatican decisions.

---

Key Takeaways for Readers

• The escape of Sr. Maria Kunz and Sr. anna Lehner has placed the Vatican’s canonical process under public scrutiny.
• Understanding the relevant canons (658, 709, 1314) helps demystify the Church’s disciplinary mechanisms.
• Families and religious communities can proactively safeguard the well‑being of aging sisters by leveraging both civil and canonical protections.

All information drawn from NPR’s investigative report (august 2024) and official Vatican documents released through the Holy See’s press office.