Trendpills
A trio of octogenarian nuns in Austria has successfully secured the right to live out their days in their beloved convent after a dispute with church authorities drew international attention. Sisters Bernadette, Regina, and Rita, all in their 80s, will be allowed to remain at the Kloster Goldenstein convent near Salzburg, a place they have called home for decades.
The agreement marks a peaceful resolution to a months-long standoff that began in late 2023 when the Archdiocese of Salzburg moved the nuns to a modern retirement home, citing their age and need for care. The nuns, however, felt the move was against their will and left them feeling isolated. In a widely reported act of defiance in September 2025, they took a taxi from the care home and returned to the historic convent, which also houses a private school. Their plight quickly garnered significant public and media support, with former students and local sympathizers rallying to their cause.
Sisters Bernadette (88), Regina (86), and Rita (82) have spent most of their lives at the Goldenstein castle in Elsbethen, a building that has been a convent since 1877. The Archdiocese took over the building in 2022 along with the Reichersberg Abbey. After their return, the nuns' determination inspired a wave of solidarity, putting pressure on church officials to find a compassionate solution. Following weeks of negotiations, a final agreement was reached with the Archdiocese of Salzburg. The deal ensures the nuns can stay in the convent and will receive the necessary on-site care.
The Archdiocese released a statement confirming the accord, stating, "a good, viable and sustainable solution has been found for the nuns." The statement acknowledged the nuns' deep connection to the convent and their desire to stay. This outcome is being hailed as a victory for the three women, whose story resonated globally and highlighted their unwavering commitment to their home. For now, the sisters are back where they belong, with Sister Bernadette reportedly exclaiming, "Finally back home."
