'Love Should Never Cause Guilt': Former Nuns Who Hated Each Other Wed After Quitting Convent

Two former Brazilian convent novices who once hated each other have gone from religious sisters to wives after leaving convent life and discovering that their friendship had developed into love. Their story has resonated as it combines an unexpected romance with faith.

Francília Costa and Luiza Silvério met in a Brazilian convent in 2019, while both were preparing to dedicate their lives to Catholic religious service.

Their first encounter was far from romantic, with each admitting they initially disliked the other. Years later, they married in an outdoor civil ceremony, with former convent friends among those present.

From Convent Rivals to Friends

Costa and Silvério entered religious life for different spiritual reasons. Costa was raised by religious grandparents in Piauí and felt she had a mission to serve God, while Silvério, from Minas Gerais, had experienced a sense of emptiness during adolescence and believed she had found her purpose in religious life.

Their first impressions were poor. Silvério later recalled thinking Costa was 'an unbearable and stuck-up little nun', while Costa said the dislike was mutual and difficult to explain.

Living under the same roof gradually changed their relationship. Their initial hostility faded into friendship as they shared the demands of convent life and their commitment to faith.

The Reason They Left Religious Life

Both women eventually left the convent in 2020 after experiencing mental health difficulties.

Silvério developed severe anxiety and was diagnosed with depression after her grandmother died.

Costa experienced panic attacks during the Covid pandemic and began questioning whether religious life was compatible with her wellbeing.

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

Leaving the convent brought practical challenges, including finding work, continuing their education and adjusting to life outside the community.

Unable to afford separate homes, the former novices decided to share a flat as friends. Their relationship soon changed.

Friendship Blossoms Into Love

In 2023, the pair watched the romantic comedy Love In The Villa, which follows two people who initially dislike each other before falling in love. The film prompted Costa to realise her feelings for Silvério had changed.

She confessed her love, and Silvério responded with a kiss. The pair began dating and eventually decided to marry.

They tied the knot in an outdoor civil ceremony in October 2025. Although there was no religious ceremony, faith remained central to the occasion. The couple posed for wedding photographs with an image of Our Lady Aparecida, Brazil's patron saint.

Love, Faith and Sexuality Can Coexist

Their relationship has not meant abandoning their Catholic faith. Costa and Silvério now use their joint social media account, 'Double Wow' (Dupla Oxiuai), to discuss sexuality, religion and the experience of leaving convent life.

They also participate in Diversidade Católica, a Brazilian network for non-heterosexual Catholics.

'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,' Silvério said.

The couple also share messages with followers struggling with questions about identity, faith and relationships. One phrase they repeat is that 'love should never be a reason for guilt'.

The former novices have continued building a life together while maintaining their faith. Costa works in digital marketing, while Silvério works in real estate and studies psychology.