Conflict Arises Over Social Media Use
A group of elderly nuns in Austria has found themselves at odds with their provost after they fled a care home to return to their beloved convent. The provost has imposed a ban on their social media activities, leading to tensions within the community.
The three nuns, who resided at Kloster Goldenstein in Elsbethen near Austria’s western border with Germany, have deep roots in the convent. Sister Bernadette, aged 88, joined in 1948; Sister Regina, 86, entered in 1958; and Sister Rita became part of the community in 1962.
After being moved to a care home following the dissolution of their religious community in 2024, the nuns expressed dissatisfaction with their new living situation. With assistance from former students and a locksmith, they returned to the convent in September.
Provost Markus Grasl from Reichersberg Abbey opposed their return and described it as “completely incomprehensible.” He stated that while they could remain at the convent as long as their health permits, they must adhere to certain conditions: returning to monastic life, halting social media activities, and ceasing any legal actions against him or other superiors.
The nuns boast nearly 100,000 followers on Instagram and several thousand on Facebook. Their lawyer criticized the provost’s proposal as a “gag order,” emphasizing that they wish to maintain their current confessor rather than accept oversight from someone appointed by Reichersberg Abbey.
Sister Bernadette expressed her disappointment regarding broken promises about staying at the convent for life. Sister Rita confirmed that they rejected the proposed agreement. Provost Grasl mentioned that it would be necessary for them to clarify their intentions regarding monastic life in Rome.
