Plot Summary:Set in 1640 Spain. Mother superior Mariana attends the death of her sister's husband along with servants and parish priest. The inconsolable widow fondles her husband's body as though he were still alive, kissing his genitalia until the Mother Superior intervenes. Aroused by her sister's final grieving act, she writes a confessional letter to Father Augustin, embarrassed to do so in person at confession the next day. That night one of the novices, Maria comes to the Mother's room raving about nightly visitations by a pilgrim, and mistakes the maternal affectations of the Mother as romantic, and sexually ravages her. Mother Mariana slaps Maria, then Maria attempts to masturbate with a wooden crucifix. When other nuns arrive, Maria is accused of demonic possession. At confession, Mariana confesses romantic feelings for Father Augustin, and they discuss wavering faith in vows, and intellectually raise several great points concerning religious belief - if God is present in all things, ...