Two lesbian nuns who hated each other get married after quitting convent

Former convent novices Francília Costa and Luiza Silvério tied the knot in an outdoor civil ceremony in October 2025 after first meeting in a convent in 2019 – when they didn’t like each other

Two former trainee nuns have married after abandoning religious life and falling in love while living together outside the cloister. Francília Costa and Luiza Silvério tied the knot in an outdoor civil ceremony in October 2025 after first meeting in a convent in 2019.

The pair, who are now known online through their joint social media account ‘Double Wow’ (Dupla Oxiuai), said they had entered religious life with the intention of serving God.

Fran, from the rural interior of Piauí state in north-eastern Brazil, had been raised by deeply religious grandparents. Luiza, from Minas Gerais state in south-eastern Brazil, said she had been searching for purpose when she joined the convent as a teenager.

But the two did not immediately bond after meeting as novices. Luiza recalled thinking Fran was “an unbearable and stuck-up little nun”, while Fran said she also felt an instant dislike for Luiza for no clear reason.

Daily life in the convent gradually changed that, and by 2020 the pair had become close friends. Both later left religious life after struggling with their mental health.

Luiza said she suffered anxiety and depression after the death of her maternal grandmother while she was still living inside the convent.

Fran later faced panic attacks during the pandemic and began questioning whether she could continue in religious life while caring for her mental wellbeing.

She said: “Religious life is very beautiful, but you need physical and mental health. It is not enough only to pray or to have a vocation.”

After leaving the convent, the pair faced the practical shock of starting again in ordinary life, including buying new clothes and finding work with a background rooted in theology.

They decided to share a flat as friends because neither could afford to live alone. But Fran said the relationship changed after they watched the romantic comedy Love In The Villa together at home.

The film, about two people who initially dislike each other before falling in love while sharing accommodation in Verona, made Fran realise her feelings for Luiza. She confessed how she felt, and Luiza responded with a kiss.

The pair began dating in 2023 before marrying two years later in a ceremony that included religious symbols but no formal church authorities. Luiza wore a white shirt, waistcoat and trousers, while Fran wore a white bridal dress and veil.

The couple posed at the wedding with an image of Our Lady Aparecida, the patron saint of Brazil.

Luiza said: “Maybe we do not have a photo at the altar of a church, but we have one with Our Lady Aparecida. For us, she represents gratitude, intercession and the consecration of our family to God.”

The couple said their families accepted the relationship and supported their decision to marry.

Fran, who studied advertising and works in digital marketing, said she had always wanted to build a family but had not found the right model for her life until she met Luiza. Luiza studies psychology and works in real estate.

The couple now use their social media profile to discuss faith, sexuality and life after religious vocation. They also take part in Diversidade Católica, a Brazilian network for non-heterosexual Catholics.

Luiza said: “Our sexuality and our faith should not be separated, because they are part of us. We are a couple that has faith. There is no way to separate that.”

Fran said their mission now is to listen to people who are struggling with similar doubts.

The couple often repeat two phrases to followers: “God does not unite people, He unites purposes” and “love should never be a reason for guilt.”

Fran added: “If Cupid exists in the world, ours was God.”