Two former trainee nuns who initially disliked each other in a convent have married after leaving religious life and falling in love. Francília Costa and Luiza Silvério tied the knot in an outdoor civil ceremony in October 2025, having first met in a convent in 2019.
A Journey from Convent to Marriage
The couple, 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, was raised by deeply religious grandparents. Luiza, from Minas Gerais state in south-eastern Brazil, said she was searching for purpose when she joined the convent as a teenager.
Despite their shared vocation, the two did not immediately bond. Luiza recalled thinking Fran was “an unbearable and stuck-up little nun,” while Fran felt an instant dislike for Luiza for no clear reason.
From Dislike to Friendship
Daily life in the convent gradually changed their feelings. By 2020, the pair had become close friends. Both later left religious life after struggling with mental health issues. Luiza suffered anxiety and depression after the death of her maternal grandmother while still living in the convent. Fran faced panic attacks during the pandemic and began questioning whether she could continue in religious life while caring for her mental wellbeing.
Fran 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.”
Starting Anew
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.
Wedding and Family Support
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.
Life After the Convent
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.”
