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, then why are we taught to look upon desire and our bodies as sinful and weak? If religious laws are based on fear, repression and punishment, are these truly God's Laws? And what of the holy arrogance that hides behind religious virtue? With the commencement of the Inquisition, Maria is cast as a witch, later to be burnt for her heresy. The love letters between Augustin and Mariana continue until their relationship comes to fruition, and gains the attention of others. Augustin ends the relationship, transferring to another diocese to save his soul. Mariana believes he will return to her and life will again be good, wearing a thorny corset under her habit in avid anticipation.