Prayer Service to Be Held For Missing Nun From Long Island

Members of the community are invited to attend a prayer service for the safe return of Sister Eileen Christie who went missing while vacationing in Austria earlier this month.

The service will be held 7 p.m. Wednesday at St. Anthony of Padua Church, located at 20 Cheshire Place in East Northport.

Anyone wishing to say a prayer can call the church or check-in before the service.

Sister Eileen Christie, 72, 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. She has been reported missing since July 6.

Christie 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.

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," the representative said.

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

Image courtesy of Friar Alumni Facebook page