However, the three nuns, aged 81 to 88, regret the worldwide interest in the monastery occupation, they told the Austrian news agency APA. "We didn't want all the attention. We want to lead our convent life," said Sister Rita (81).
Despite the attention, they are happy with their life in the old convent after escaping from the retirement home: "We are doing wonderfully. We have found our inner peace and tranquillity again."
According to one helper, around 200 people now support the three 80-year-old sisters: "Doctors, nurses, cleaners, but also tradespeople and people who help out in the garden."
There are also donations of money and goods. The sisters' Instagram channel alone raised 10,000 euros within three days.
In view of the wave of solidarity and protest, the sisters have one concern: "We ask that no one leaves the church because of this," emphasises Sister Rita.
No contact with the rightful superior
By their own account, clergy are also among the sisters' supporters. "In the meantime, 80 to 90 priests from all over the world have written to us to say that they are with us. And that what we are doing is right," continues Sister Rita.
A priest from northern Germany has offered to come to the convent near Salzburg to celebrate Mass with the sisters.
Sister Rita regretted to APA that she had no contact with the provost of Reichersberg Abbey: "Although I did call him!".
Provost Markus Grasl from the Augustinian canons' monastery in Reichersberg has been appointed superior of the nuns, three of whom are too few to form an independent branch. "We would very much like to speak to him. But we are not angry with him. We just want a good understanding," the sister continued.
The accusation that the three sisters had broken their vows through their disobedience was rejected by the oldest sister, Bernadette, who is 88 years old: "There is a difference between vows and vows. I have always acted humanely for 70 years since I joined the order."
In fact, the provost had not honoured the contract with the sisters, according to which they could stay in their convent for as long as their health allowed.