Long Island Nun Reported Missing While Vacationing in Austria

The search is underway for a Long Island nun vacationing alone in Austria who has been missing for more than a week.

Sister Eileen Christie, 72, was visiting the tourist village of Hallstatt when her nephew suddenly stopped receiving emails from her on July 6, according to The Local Austria.

Her nephew, Bill Freda, became concerned after not hearing from Christie and alerted the authorities about her possible disappearance.

Christie was a beloved teacher at St. Anthony’s High School who retired in 2015 after teaching theology for 25 years. She also taught at Sisters of St. Joseph Convent in Brentwood. She lives in a house with other convent members in East Northport.

The Local Austria reports police found Christie’s belongings, including her passport and wallet, at her Hallstatt hotel room and discovered that she did not check in at her next planned destination. Pictures found on her phone show Christie was taking photos and videos of the Alpine countryside before she went missing, according to the publication.

Many close to Christie were surprised to hear that she went missing. A Sisters of St. Joseph representative told Patch that Christie is an extremely experienced traveler and has visited Austria before. "We are very used to her traveling alone," the representative said.

St. Joseph has not received any additional updates regarding the search for Christie. "As time goes on, our concerns are growing greater," a St. Joseph representative said.

Christie’s family members and many people who have met her have expressed their concerns for her on social media.

Former students responded to the news on the Friar Alumni Facebook page:

• Rob Garetano wrote, “She was an awesome teacher, always had a rebuttal to my arguments i loved her class. I really hope she's safe. Much love to the staff and alumni, thoughts and energy going to her family and friends. Sr Eileen i hope u turn up the world needs kind souls don't let us lose one."
• Jennifer Smith Leber wrote, “Praying for a safe return for Sr Eileen. She taught me as a child at St Anthony of Padua in East Northport and went on to teach my son Michael at St Anthony HS.”
• Corinne Rathgaber-Angelos wrote, “Oh no..... Please keep us updated .... I have known Sister since I was four years old ..... She is such an amazing woman .... Prayers”
• Peter Anthony wrote, “Return safe sister Eileen, you were my favorite theology teacher, praying you get back to the states safe.”

"Our prayers and love go out to the St. Anthony's family. We pray for Sr. Eileen Christie's safe return," St. Anthony's High School wrote.

Authorities are reportedly extensively searching for Christie around Hallstatt and in other areas of Upper Austria. "Everyone is doing what they can," the St. Joseph's representative said.

Christie's convent, Sisters of St. Joseph, in Brentwood, is asking everyone to pray for the woman's return:

Please join us in prayer for Sister Eileen Christie. Sister has been on vacation in Austria and there has been no contact with her since July 6. As you may have read or heard, Sister is an athletic person who loves to hike and swim. All is being done to locate her. This lack of communication is unusual and a cause for increasingly grave concern. Thank you for joining your prayers with ours.

Photo credit: Sisters of St. Joseph Brentwood