State of the World from NPR The Story of Three Defiant Nuns in Austria
Nov 4, 2025
Esmeen Nicholson, an NPR reporter known for her international on-the-ground stories, shares a remarkable tale of three elderly nuns in Austria. These defiant sisters ran away from a nursing home to reclaim their convent, determined to live out their vows. They broke in with a locksmith's help and have since become social media stars, attracting a community of supporters. Discussions range from their bold actions to the church's legal stance on the matter, highlighting their fight for dignity and independence in old age.
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Daring Return To Their Convent
- Three elderly nuns were removed to a nursing home and later helped back into their convent by parishioners and a locksmith.
- Supporters rented a U-Haul, restored utilities, and physically re-entered the shuttered convent to return the sisters home.
Belongings Missing After Forced Move
- The sisters found their rooms ransacked and personal items missing when they returned to the convent.
- Provost Markus Kreisel insists they were consulted and acted out of concern for their wellbeing.
Going Public And Embracing Instagram
- Former student Christina Wittenberger helped plan the sisters' public return and their Instagram launch to protect them from being removed again.
- Sister Bernadette embraced social media, saying Instagram brings people to praise God and see their worship.