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The global profile
The Catholic Church’s effort to win young followers relies in part on influencers, D.J.s and two Brazilian nuns with plenty of rhythm.
Video
By Jack Nicas
Visuals by Victor Moriyama
Jack Nicas and Victor Moriyama danced with the nuns and slept in their convent while reporting this article from Ponta Grossa, Brazil.
June 29, 2025, 5:00 a.m. ET
There was a party at the convent.
One break dancer who introduced himself as the Wizard was doing backflips. Another was spinning on his back. There were spotlights, a rapper, two cameramen and a Chevy lowrider with a sound system in the trunk and the bass turned up.
In the middle of it all were Sister Marizele Rego and Sister Marisa Neves — Brazil’s sudden star nuns — and their cluster of backup dancers in habits, crosses and veils.
The nuns were recording the music video for their new song, “Vocation,” which had become a hit since Sister Marizele sang the catchy hook and beatboxed as Sister Marisa danced in sync on a Brazilian Catholic television show three weeks earlier.
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