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Three Elderly Nuns Reoccupy Former Salzburg Convent as Church Opposes Return

The Archdiocese of Salzburg deems the shuttered convent unfit for habitation, raising the prospect of removal by an apostolic commissioner.

Overview

  • Sisters Bernadette, Rita and Regina left the Kahlsperg nursing home on September 4 and moved back into the Goldenstein convent with the help of supporters.
  • The nuns cite a notarized right to live there for life, though a prior agreement limited that right to periods when their health allowed independent living.
  • Archdiocesan officials say the buildings are unusable and that the women cannot live there alone, challenging the validity of their return.
  • Former pupils and volunteers forced open doors, restored water and electricity, deliver groceries and share updates through a newly created Instagram account.
  • No eviction has occurred to date, but church authorities could pursue expulsion through an apostolic commissioner as the standoff continues.