A group of Catholic religious have formed a band at America's Catholic University and have called themselves 'Force of Habit'.
One student at the Catholic University of America, Northeast Washington, called the group of sisters 'some of the most free and truly happy women' they've ever met, according to the Washington Post.
The sister's assembly is composed of Sister Miriam Holzman on the piano, Sister Peter Grace Weber on the bass guitar, Sister Louis Marie Zogg on the saxophone and Sister Mary André Thelen on the trumpet.
Dominican friar Brother Brad Elliot plays the drums, while the university's chaplain and campus ministry director Father Jude DeAngelo leads vocals.
The group transcends the expectations of a Christian music band, and opts for non-Christian tunes such as What a Wonderful World and Unforgettable, playing to entertain and engage with the university's students.
'It shows that we have completely natural, normal, human personalities,' Brother Brad said. 'And we don't really cease being human beings when we put on the habit. We don't cease to be normal and lovers of fun and music when we put on the habit. The habit is just a different aspect of who we are.'
Sister Louis Marie said: 'It sort of started out as something that we could do for the students, to show them that we love them, that we want to be a part of their community.
'But then it's also just fun for us, as a group of sisters, to be able to share that and have fun together.'
With an obvious penchant for a pun, the sisters originally formed a singing group named 'Nun of the Above'. 'Force of Habit' formed in August, and have played on four occasions at university events, to the acclaim of students.
'They're always just smiling and having a good time...They're just so fun to watch; they really are', said Martin, a theology student.
'They are not ashamed of the way that they live. They are not ashamed of their faith. I think that I wish that the rest of the world could view them in such a loving way as I do now,' said another fan.
The sisters are all part of the order of the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, and are also studying at the university, with plans to graduate in May.
Sister Miriam said: 'I think it's good for [students] to see that when we enter the convent, that our whole selves become for God.
'It's not a repression of yourself, but that you're really freed in the religious life to be who you are and to give of yourself. I think that they see that we're free and that we're happy.'
