Brazilian Couple Leaves Priesthood to Marry After Six Years

A couple in Brazil has celebrated their marriage after both left their religious vocations as a priest and a nun in the Catholic Church. Jackson and Lais Dognini first met six years ago while pursuing their respective paths of monastic life but later reconnected outside the confines of their previous commitments. Lais shared their journey on Instagram, revealing that they wed in March 2025.

Lais reflected on her and Jackson’s past, stating, “He wanted to be a priest and went to the seminary; I wanted to be a religious (I don’t use the word nun because I think it’s ugly) and I went to the convent.” Lais spent two years in a Carmelite convent before leaving to address her mental health challenges, a decision that played a pivotal role in their eventual romance.

The couple’s initial encounter occurred during their years in religious service, but it was a heartfelt farewell message from Jackson that reignited their connection. They began exchanging messages frequently, although Jackson was still immersed in his studies at seminary school and believed Lais would return to the convent.

After Jackson decided to leave seminary training, their bond deepened, leading to plans for an in-person meeting. Lais described their first date, which included attending mass, dining out, and watching a film together. “That day, he was going to ask me to marry him, and I didn’t know anything. It was St. Therese’s day,” she recalled.

By April 2024, the couple had embarked on a romantic relationship, and by October 2024, they were engaged. Their marriage followed just a few months later. Lais conveyed on Instagram, “It seems little, right? But let’s face it, we are already adults, and we know what we want from life.”

Lais clarified that their decisions to leave their religious vocations were not motivated by their desire to be together. “I had already left the convent three years ago, he had already left the seminary by discernment of the vocation. We had no contact, we even lived in different states,” she explained. “It was only after that we started to relate, so there were no scandals,” she added.

The couple’s story highlights the personal journeys of individuals navigating the expectations of religious life and their pursuit of happiness outside those boundaries. Their experience resonates with many who seek to redefine their paths in pursuit of love and fulfillment.