Photo: The Canadian Press

Eleven nuns take the stage wearing traditional black-and white habits but are anything but old school as they belt out songs to the ringing of electric guitar and a rock 'n' roll beat.

Known as "Siervas," the band was born in a Peruvian convent three years ago and now travels far and wide to perform.

Of all the extraordinary things about Siervas, the most remarkable may be they are not just a novelty. They have a genuine international following.

Their songs of love and faith have earned over a million YouTube views, led to the release of two CDs and now they are waiting to see if they are among the honorees when Latin Grammy nominations are announced Wednesday.

Siervas recently travelled to Southern California and drew 4,000 people when they headlined a Spanish-language Catholic music festival.

"Everyone was calling our office saying we want to see these nuns, when are they singing?" said Ryan Lilyengren, spokesman for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange, which organized the event. "They're sharing their message in a way people are willing to hear it."

The nuns, who come from eight countries and range in age from 20s to 40s, insist they aren't rock stars. But they certainly act the part when on stage performing to the electric guitar, steady drumbeat and catchy lyrics, uniformly smiling as silver crosses dangle from their necks.

Their name Siervas — Spanish for "the servants" — comes from the convent where the band was formed and still lives.