Brazilian Couple Transitions from Religious Life to Marriage

A Brazilian couple, Jackson and Lais Dognini, have recently married after both left their respective religious vocations as a priest and a nun in the Catholic Church. The pair, who originally met six years ago while pursuing monastic lives, found love after reconnecting in the secular world. Their story was shared by Lais on Instagram in September, revealing that they wed in March 2025.

Lais described their paths on Instagram, noting, “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 living in a Carmelite convent before making the decision to leave due to depression. This choice ultimately led her and Jackson to rekindle their connection.

While they crossed paths during their theological training, it was a message Jackson sent Lais as he departed that sparked their deeper interaction. They began communicating frequently, despite Jackson still being in seminary and believing Lais would return to her convent. According to O Globo, their relationship blossomed when Jackson decided to leave seminary school, allowing them to grow closer and eventually meet in person.

Their first date included attending Mass, dinner, and a movie, during which Jackson planned to propose. Lais recounted this pivotal day, noting it was on St. Therese’s Day. By April 2024, they had established a romantic relationship, became engaged by October 2024, and celebrated their marriage in March 2025.

Lais emphasized that their departures from religious life were not made for the sake of each other, stating, “I had already left the convent three years ago, he had already left the seminary by discernment of the vocation.” She clarified that they had no contact during their time in religious service and lived in different states before reconnecting.

Their story has captured attention not only for its romantic elements but also for its exploration of personal growth and the journey from religious devotion to a shared future. The couple’s commitment to each other, despite the challenges they faced, highlights the complexities of pursuing love and individual fulfillment.