Soeur Sourire: "Dominique"

In the 1960's, a Dominican nun from a convent near Waterloo, Belgium, Soeur Sourire (Jeannine Deckers after she left the convent) had a song that became number 1 in the U.S.: "Dominique" ( a song, in French, about Saint Dominic).

Here are some filmed segments related to Soeur Sourire, who was also known as the Singing Nun:



This YouTube post includes the lyrics of "Dominique" (sung and in print, with an English translation):

Soeur Sourire - Dominique lyrics

The story of Soeur Sourire inspired movie writers and producers, and, in 1966, The Singing Nun was released with Debbie Reynolds starring as Soeur Sourire. Soeur Sourire also appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show in January, 1964. Here is a clip from the movie:

YouTube: Dominique - Singing Nun

While Soeur Sourire was in the convent, any proceeds from the song went to the convent. Unfortunately she left the convent, and the Belgium government then wanted her to pay taxes on the money she had donated to the convent while she was a nun. Tragically, she later committed suicide.

For more on the life of Soeur Sourire, please visit:

Wikipedia: The Singing Nun