Two women who once admitted they could barely stand each other inside a Brazilian convent have now become wives, proving their story took a turn neither of them ever expected. Francília Costa and Luiza Silvério first met as novice nuns in 2019, but instead of becoming instant friends, they got off to a rocky start and struggled to see eye to eye.
Years later, that unlikely beginning blossomed into romance. Now married, the couple openly shares their journey of faith, sexuality and life after the convent, saying they believe the two should never be seen as incompatible.
A Rocky First Meeting
Costa and Silvério met while preparing for religious life in a convent in Brazil. Both had entered with the same goal of serving God, although their paths there were different. Costa had been encouraged by her deeply religious grandparents, while Silvério joined as a teenager in search of purpose.
Despite sharing the same vocation, their first impressions could hardly have been worse. Silvério later admitted she thought Costa was 'an unbearable and stuck-up little nun'. Costa also confessed she instantly disliked Silvério, although she could not explain exactly why. As they continued living under the same roof, however, daily life slowly replaced tension with friendship.
The Turning Point
Silvério experienced anxiety and depression after losing her grandmother, while Costa struggled with panic attacks throughout the Covid pandemic. The emotional challenges forced them to question whether remaining in religious life was the right choice.
Costa explained that while faith remained important, good mental health was equally necessary. 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.' In 2020, they both made the decision to leave the convent so they could focus on their wellbeing.
A New Life Together
The pair had to find work, adjust to wearing everyday clothes again and build a life beyond the walls of religious life. Neither could afford to live alone, so they decided to share a flat as friends. That practical decision unexpectedly became the next chapter of their story.
While watching the romantic comedy Love In The Villa together in 2023, Costa suddenly realised she had fallen in love with her former convent companion. The film, which follows two people who begin as enemies before becoming lovers, mirrored their own journey. Costa confessed her feelings and Silvério responded with a kiss.
Faith Remained at Their Wedding
The couple married in an outdoor civil ceremony in October 2025 after dating for two years. Although the ceremony was not held in a church, they still included symbols that reflected their beliefs. They posed for wedding photographs with an image of Our Lady Aparecida, Brazil's patron saint.
Silvério explained, '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.' Their families also supported both their relationship and their decision to marry.
Faith and Sexuality Together
Rather than leaving religion behind, Costa and Silvério now use their online platform, 'Double Wow', to share conversations about faith, sexuality and life after the convent. They also participate in Diversidade Católica, a Brazilian network supporting non-heterosexual Catholics.
Costa believes there should never be a conflict between personal identity and religious belief. She 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.'
Helping Others Through Their Story
Costa studied advertising and now works in digital marketing, while Silvério studies psychology and works in real estate. Alongside sharing moments from married life, they hope their experiences encourage others facing similar questions about faith and identity.
One of the messages they regularly share with followers is that 'God does not unite people, He unites purposes'. They also remind those struggling with guilt that 'love should never be a reason for guilt'.
