CONCHITA’S DIARY
SCREENPLAY
BY
DONALD J. BARBEAU
P.O. BOX 2961 SACRAMENTO, CA 95812 916.217.0101
Copyright ©2005 by
Donald J. Barbeau
CONCHITA'S DIARY
BY
DONALD J. BARBEAU
A screenplay in 207 scenes: 103 Exteriors and 104 Interiors; requires two cameras; 192 scenes can be shot on location in Spain. A total of 91 different settings are utilized.
FILM TIME: Approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes.
DRAMATIC TIME: Approximately 6 years, from June 18, 1961 through 1967.
SETTING: According to various sources San Sebastián de Garabandal is a charming, peaceful, but poor mountain pueblo of about 70 homes and 300 people isolated in the Cantabrian Mountains at an altitude of about 1,600 feet in Northwestern Spain, about 55 miles southwest of the provincial capital and Episcopal See of Santander. The homes are built of primitive stone, roofed with red tiles, and clustered together on a narrow strip of land on the side of a mountain overlooking a wooded and rocky valley that stretches southward toward the plain below. Above the village, at an altitude of about 650 feet, are nine tall pine trees within the mountains. The streets of Garabandal are winding and covered with rough stones. Leading to the pine trees is a sunken lane called the calleja, which is steep, extremely rocky, and narrow. The village church of San Sebastián is simple and separated from the village square by a moat filled with running water about 4 feet deep. A narrow, about 3 feet wide, plank serves as the bridge over this rivulet. A steep, rocky mule path connects Garabandal to Cosío, its nearest neighboring town, which is about 4 miles away. There is one small café, a few shops, and a school, with one room for girls and one room for boys. There are about 20 children in each room. The inhabitants are prayerful, simple, relaxed, and hardworking farmers. Most of the women wear black, and the men wear simple worker's clothing. Children are usually dressed in bright colors. Wooden shoes raised on pegs 2½ inches high are worn outdoors on rainy days, or in stables. These shoes are not worn in the homes. Entire families work in the fields of oats, barley, and hay. On rainy days they sit around their fires knitting and carving wooden shoes. There are small herds of sheep, goats, and cattle kept in barns near the field at some distance from the village. These animals frequently are seen on the village streets.
EXT. PORTUGAL -- DAY, DATE PRESENT
MONTAGE OF SHOTS OF CONCHITA, being herself in the marketplace and at home. INT. LAST SHOT -- Conchita sits down at a table and begins to write ...
ConCHITA
(subjective thoughts --voice over)
Mi vida
cambió en el verano de 1961 en Garabandal, España. Una Misa celebrada por el
Padre Valentín, quien viajó tres millas en burro hasta nuestra aldea, en el
cual no había caminos ni electricidad ...
(subtitles to the above Spanish)
My life was changed in the summer of 1961 in Garabandal, Spain. An evening Mass celebrated by Father Valentín, who traveled three miles by donkey into our village, in which there were no roads or electricity ...
DiSSOLVE TO:
ExT. san SEBASTIÁN de garabandal, spain -- sunday, june 18, 1961, about 8 P.M. (DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME)
A SILENT, SLOWLY MOVING, HIGH-ANGLE SHOT of the natural coliseum effect created by the mountains surrounding Garabandal. A complete panoramic view is provided by shooting from a HELICOPTER. We see a MOVING LONG SHOT of the green-covered mountains, then move directly over a cluster of nine pine trees, isolated in a green field, and proceed over a steeply falling rocky lane, and then follow that lane into and over the village of Garabandal. We SLOWLY MOVE AT HIGH ANGLE OVER the homes to the opposite side of the village until coming over the town's square in front of the Church of San Sebastián.
The entire village is empty of people. A few small herds of sheep, goats, and cattle are seen.
ExT. town's square in front of the church of san SEBASTIÁN de garabandal, spain - sunday, june 18, 1961, ABOUT 8 P.M.
HIGH-ANGLE shot OF THE VILLAGERS, MOSTLY WOMEN AND CHILDREN, COMING OUT THE CHURCH AND FILLING THE TOWN'S SQUARE.
LONG WIDE-ANGLE SHOT OF PEOPLE OUTSIDE OF CHURCH.
A FEW OLD FOLK sit on the door steps. The CHILDREN begin to play tag, hide and seek, and marbles with stones found on the ground. The priest, DON VALENTÍN MARICHALAR, coming from the church, stands on its steps and is speaking to some of the villagers. Father Marichalar is a husky man, in his forties, and is bald except for hair at the temples. He is a good, intelligent, and simple man.
MED. LONG SHOT -- CONCHITA AND MARI CRUZ IN THE CROWD
Conchita whispers into Mari Cruz's ear and they both begin to run in the direction of the sunken lane called the calleja.
Med. LONG shot -- lOli, ginia, and jacinta in the crowd
They take notice of Conchita and Mari Cruz running away.
Med. LONG group shot -- lOli, ginia, and jacinta -- another angle
LOLI
Conchita, where are you going?
LONG shot -- CONCHITA and mari cruz
CONCHITA
(pointing)
Over there.
Med. LONG group shot -- lOli, ginia, and jacinta
They stealthily follow Conchita and Mari Cruz not far behind.
Moving LONG shot from jacinta's viewpoint -- CONCHITA and mari cruz as we FOLLOW them down the lanes between the houses towards the calleja.
Group shot -- jacinta, lOli, and ginia
Jacinta
(quietly)
Come on.
They follow without being noticed by Conchita or Mari Cruz.
ExT. apple tree near the calleja -- 8:10 p.m.
The apple tree grows in a vegetable patch close to the Schoolmaster's home. A low stone wall separates the small plot from the calleja which leads uphill to nine pine trees that are clustered together in one area. This wall is in a dilapidated state.
CONCHITA AND MARI CRUZ climb the ledge and stone wall to reach the apple tree near the foot of the calleja. Looking around to make sure no one sees them, Conchita shakes the limbs of the tree, FILM IN SLOW MOTION THE PICKING OF THE FIRST APPLE, throwing it to Mari Cruz below. Mari Cruz fills her pockets with apples. Both are laughing.
LOLI, JACINTO, AND GINIA, having kept at a safe distance out of sight, now advance towards the apple tree, within sight of CONCHITA AND MARI CRUZ.
JaCINTA
(loudly)
Why, Conchita, you're taking apples!
CONCHITA quickly darts from the apple tree and crouches low to hide herself in the potato patch, while MARI CRUZ darts across the field.
CONCHITA
(softly and frightened)
Keep quiet. The Schoolmaster will hear you and tell my mother.
LOLI
(spotting Mari Cruz)
Don't run, Mari Cruz. We saw you, and we'll tell the owner.
MARI CRUZ stops running and retraces her steps to where CONCHITA is in the potato patch. Both leave their hiding place to join JACINTA, LOLI, and GINIA, who are on the other side of the stone wall in the calleja.
Woman's voice (o.S.)
Ginia! ... Ginia! ... Ginia!
GINIA dashes out of the frame in the direction of her mother's voice, and down the calleja.
Ginia
I've got to go now. My Mamá wants me.
CONCHITA
Don't tell, Loli. Here's some for you and Jacinta. Here, Jacinta. Come on, take them. Let's all pick some. No one will see. Come on ...
Mari cruz
Let's get some more apples before it gets too dark. Come on.
With a little hesitation MARI LOLI AND JACINTA change their minds and, with CONCHITA AND MARI CRUZ, they all climb over the stone wall. Conchita grabs a branch of the tree and begins to shake it. Apples fall. Jacinta, Mari Loli, and Mari Cruz pick them up and fill their pockets.
Schoolmaster's voice (o.S.)
Concesa, go to the garden. The sheep are in the vegetables and at the apple tree again.
Conchita, JacintA, MARI CRUZ, AND MARI LOLI burst out laughing. Conchita and Jacinta move away from the tree immediately. All four girls, with their pockets full of apples, scramble over the stone wall and run off into the calleja out of sight of the schoolmaster.
ExT. the calleja -- 8:20 P.M.
Conchita, MARI CRUZ, LOLI AND Jacinta huddle together panting. A violent SOUND of THUNDER is heard. Astonished, they gaze about. THERE ARE NO CLOUDS IN THE SKY.
CONCHITA
(looking skyward)
Thunder!
JaCINTA
(looking up)
Sounds like thunder!
THEY ARE IN THE FIELD OF STILLNESS OF NATURE.
CONCHITA
What a shame. Now that we have taken apples that don't belong to us, the Devil will be happy, and our poor guardian angel will be sad.
CONCHITA picks up some stones and throws them to her left and aft.
CoNCHITA
Let's throw stones at the wicked angel to console the good angel.
MARI CRUZ, Jacinta, and LoLI pick up stones and also throw them.
CONCHITA
Over there, with all our might at that spot where the Devil is.
Many stones are cast in the direction indicated by CONCHITA. JACINTA throws her last stone.
JaCINTA
That'll take care of the Devil!
CONCHITA sits in the calleja and picks up some small stones.
CONCHITA
Let's play marbles.
Jacinta, MARI LOLI, AND MARI CRUZ sit in the lane with CONCHITA. While they are playing marbles with the stones, Conchita instantly enters into the state of ecstasy. Her face is radiant, her head is thrown way back. Her neck is hyperextended. Her eyes are open as she stares upward. Her breathing is normal. She has an expression of great fear.
Her body is rigid without trembling. She does not blink.
CONCHITA
(in a husky whisper, fearfully)
Oh! Oh! Oh!
Seeing CONCHITA in this state, frightens MARI CRUZ, JACINTA, AND LOLI. Stunned, they get to their feet.
JaCINTA
Let's get her Mamá.
MARI CRUZ tries to shake CONCHITA out of her state of rapture. She grabs Conchita's shoulders, but is unable to move her.
MaRI CRUZ
(tears begin to form)
Conchita! ... Conchita! ... What's wrong! ... Conchita!
LOLI
Come, let's get some help. She's having a fit.
JACINTA sees the same vision as CONCHITA and instantly enters into a similar state of ecstasy with great fear, falling instantly on her knees.
JaCINTA
(in a husky whisper fearfully)
Eh!
Looking in the direction indicated by JACINTA, MARI CRUZ, and LOLI instantly fall to their knees with a SOUND of bones cracking against stones. Conchita, Jacinta, LOLI, AND MARI CRUZ are now in the state of ecstasy. Their faces are radiant. Their heads are thrown way back with their necks at the nape hyperextended. They stare upward in the same direction as CONCHITA. A BRIGHT LIGHT SURROUNDS ALL FOUR CHILDREN.
LOLI
Oh! ... Oh!
MaRI CRUZ
(fearfully)
An angel!
A moment of silence. The children's faces are transformed from within by their experience. Their faces show a radiance of light, and are full of fear. The vision suddenly ends. THE LIGHT AROUND THEM DISAPPEARS. The silence ends. The faces of the children return to normal, but each have a frightened and pale look. They rise to their feet and run back to the village and towards the church of San Sebastián. (It is to be noted that during the raptures, the children's faces appear enlightened and they look about 2 years older.)
ExT. village square in front of the church of san SEBASTIÁN de garabandal -- 8:45 P.M.
MUSIC is being played and villagers are dancing. Just before sunset, CONCHITA, MARI CRUZ, JACINTA, AND LOLI hurry into the crowded square and hasten towards the church.
REACTION SHOTS of various people in the crowd who take notice of CONCHITA, MARI CRUZ, LOLI, AND JACINTA and wonder what is wrong.
PILI GONZALEZ, a 12-year-old girl, is playing with another young girl, and both see that CONCHITA and her companions are very frightened.
Pili
You look pale and scared! Where have you been?
CONCHITA
(ashamed)
Stealing apples.
PiLI
And this is why you look like that!
CONCHITA, mari cruz, jacinta, LOLI
We've seen an angel!
PiLI
Is it true?
CONCHITA, MARI CRUZ, JACINTA, LOLI
Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!
Believing, PILI excitedly rushes to tell others in the crowd what she has been told.
Conchita, LOLI, Jacinta, AND MARI CRUZ hastily continue in the direction of the church. As they approach the door of the church, they hesitate entering.
ExT. the church of san SEBASTIÁN de garabandal -- nIGHT
Moving group shot -- CONCHITA, MARI CRUZ, Jacinta, and LOLI as they run to a corner of the church and huddle together, crying.
LONG shot -- four little girls who are playing hide and seek. They notice CONCHITA and her companions huddled in the corner, crying.
LONG shot -- maRIA from CONCHITA's viewpoint
MARIA advances towards CONCHITA and her companions.
CLOSE shot -- maRIA from CONCHITA's viewpoint
Maria
Why are you crying?
CLOSE group shot -- CONCHITA, MARI CRUZ, LOLI, and Jacinta
CONCHITA
Because we saw an angel!
Med. LONG group shot -- the four little girls as they run to tell others what they have heard.
CLOSE group shot -- CONCHITA, MARI CRUZ, LOLI and Jacinta
They stop crying and gain some composure. They get to their feet and return to the front of the church.
ExT. front of church of san SEBASTIÁN -- nIGHT
CLOSE group shot -- CONCHITA, Jacinta, MARI CRUZ, LOLI as they approach the front doors of the church.
They enter the church.
InT. church of san SEBASTIÁN de garabandal -- nIGHT
The church is simple. The statue of St. Sebastián is placed in the center of the altar. On each side of the chancel, there are tables upon which set statues of the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts of Jesus and Mary. On both sides of the chancel is a communion rail made of iron. There are steps leading to the altar. At the right entrance there is an altar of the Virgin wearing a blue mantle and white tunic. On the opposite side is an altar with a picture of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Within a grille, and on the left in the rear, is the Baptismal Font. The Confessional is in the back of the church. In the portico, to the right, a door opens into the church. Outside the church is a stairway that leads to the tower. The floor is made of wood planks, rough and worn. Another door is inside the portico leading into the church. Within the portico there is a stone bench. In the rear of church there is a balcony with a railing.
Conchita, Jacinta, MARI CRUZ, AND LOLI enter the church and approach the front altar. They genuflect and enter the pews before the Blessed Sacrament.
At the same moment, DOÑA SERAFINA GOMEZ, the schoolmistress, enters the church and hastily approaches the children.
DOÑA serafina gomez
(very frightened)
My dear children, is it true you have seen an angel?
JACINTA,
CONCHITA, LOLI
Yes,
Señora, yes!
DOÑA SERAFINA GOMEZ
This could be your imaginations.
CONCHITA,
mari cruz, LOLI
No,
Señora, no.
JaCINTA
No, we really saw him!
DOÑA SERAFINA GOMEZ
(not doubting)
Well, let's say a station in thanksgiving to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.
Group shot -- the four children AND SEÑORA gomez AS THEY BLESS THEMSELVES AND BEGIN PRAYING.
DOÑA SERAFINA GOMEZ
Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread...
DiSSOLVE TO:
InT. kitchen in CONCHITA's home -- nIGHT
CLOSE shot. The cutting of bread -- 9:30 P.M.
PULL BACK to reveal ANICETA GONZALEZ cutting bread. She notices a transformation of Conchita's face as CONCHITA walks into the kitchen from the hallway.
ANICETA
(stunned)
What has happened to you? Why do you look so strange? Haven't I told you that you should get home while it is still daylight?
LONG shot -- CONCHITA, leaning against the kitchen door post, LOOKING dejected.
CONCHITA
(very sweetly)
I've seen an angel.
LONG shot from CONCHITA's viewpoint -- aniceta
Aniceta
(striking Conchita)
So! In addition to coming home late, you come and tell me things like that!
Two shot -- CONCHITA and ANICETA
CONCHITA pulls away from her mother.
CONCHITA
(insisting)
No, Mamá, honestly, we saw an angel!
Aniceta
No more nonsense.
CONCHITA
(excitedly)
But, Mamá, Mari Cruz, Jacinta, and Mari Loli saw him too. We were in the calleja playing when...
AnICETA
Go up to bed. We'll discuss it in the morning.
CONCHITA
(crying)
But, Mamá ...
ANICETA
Go to bed!
CONCHITA sadly goes to her room.
ExT. the schoolyard -- dAY
The girls are dismissed from school. Some play in the yard, others walk homeward. JACINTA AND MARI CRUZ walk together towards their homes. In the road the Pastor of the village, DON VALENTÍN MARICHALAR, sees the two children. He hurries towards the girls.
ExT. street near school -- dAY, June 19,1961
Jacinta AND MARI CRUZ walking together. They are met by FATHER DON VALENTÍN MARICHALAR.
DON VALENTÍN
(very nervous)
What's all this I hear? Did you really see an angel?
Jacinta, mari cruz
Yes, Father, yes!
Don VALENTÍN
I'm not so sure myself. You've made some mistake. ... Your eyes must have been playing tricks on you.
JaCINTA
(smiling)
No, no, don't worry. We saw an angel.
Don VALENTÍN
Where did you see this angel?
MarI CRUZ
We saw him in the calleja, where we were playing.
Don VALENTÍN
What did he look like?
JaCINTA
He was very bright, brighter than any light itself. He was dressed in a long blue robe ...
MarI CRUZ
And his wings were large and pink. He had dark skin and his eyes were black ...
JaCINTA
He looked like a boy about 9 years old, but he gave an impression of great strength.
Don VALENTÍN
Did he say anything to you?
Jacinta,
marI CRUZ
No,
Father.
Don
VALENTÍN
You mean to tell me that an angel from Heaven appeared to you and said nothing and gave no reason for his coming?
JaCINTA
Perhaps he will tell us tonight, Father.
Don VALENTÍN
Yes, perhaps. Did Conchita see him?
MarI CRUZ
Yes, Father ...
JaCINTA
And Mari Loli, too, Father.
Don VALENTÍN
Where's Conchita, now?
JaCINTA
She went home, Father.
DON VALENTÍN hurries off in the direction of Conchita's home.
JACINTA AND MARI CRUZ continue walking in the direction of their homes.
ExT. in front of CONCHITA'S home -- dAY
Repair work is being done to the outside of the home by Conchita's brother, ANICETO, who is 23 years old, and PEPÉ (JOSÉ) DIEZ, a bricklayer. PEPÉ is in his late thirties and always has his ears open for the latest news.
CONCHITA is seen approaching her home.
DON VALENTÍN is not far behind CONCHITA and trying to catch up with her.
Don VALENTÍN
(very nervous)
Conchita, be truthful, now. What did you see last night?
CONCHITA AND DON VALENTÍN begin to walk together.
CONCHITA
We saw a beautiful angel with pink wings and wearing a blue robe. His body gave off a great brilliance like the sun, but it did not hurt our eyes.
Don VALENTÍN
Where did he appear to you?
CONCHITA
In the Calleja, where we were playing.
DON VALENTÍN
Who was with you at the time?
CONCHITA
Just Mari Cruz, Jacinta, and Loli, Father.
DON VALENTÍN
Did you hear him say anything to you or to the others?
CONCHITA
No, Father.
DON VALENTÍN
Will you see him again?
CONCHITA
We thought that if we returned to
the calleja tonight and prayed, that he might come again.
Don VALENTÍN
Well, then, if you see him again, ask him who he is and why he has come. We shall see what he has to say to you.
CONCHITA
Yes, Father, if our parents will let us go.
DON VALENTÍN departs in the direction of Mari Loli's home.
DON VALENTÍN
Is Mari Loli home from school yet?
CONCHITA
Yes, Father, she should be by now.
DON VALENTÍN
Good-bye, Conchita.
CONCHITA turns and continues to walk towards her home.
InT. LOLI MAZÓN's home -- dAY
Don VALENTÍN, CEFERINO MAZÓN, JULIA MAZÓN, AND LOLI are sitting at a table. Don Valentín has a note pad and pen in his hand. Three small children are at Julia's feet wanting attention. Ceferino is in his late forties, his wife, Julia, is about 45 years old. Both are devout and hardworking persons. Ceferino, Loli's father, is also the head of the Council of Garabandal, and runs the men's rendezvous in the village -- a small café.
Don VALENTÍN
The children all tell us the same things. All the details are identical. Something is happening here. It is not their nature to be dishonest. Let's wait a few days to learn if Loli and the others continue to see this angel and what he has to say to them.
DON VALENTÍN rises from his chair and gets ready to leave. CEFERINO also rises.
Don VALENTÍN
If you see the angel again, Loli, let me know at once. In the meantime, I will return to Cosío. If anything new develops here, I will then go and have a word with His Excellency, the Bishop.
Ceferino
Thank you, Father. But I am sure it is nothing. You know how children like to play games. Don't worry, everything will be all right.
DON VALENTÍN
Loli, will you and Conchita and the others go the calleja tonight?
LOLI
We want to go and pray the Rosary in hopes that the angel will return, but Papá may not let me go.
DON VALENTÍN
Let her go, Ceferino. There is no harm in that, and we shall see. Good-bye for now, Julia and Ceferino, good-bye, little ones, and God be with you all and may God bless this family.
He gives his blessing to the family as they kneel.
ExT. CONCHITA'S home -- late afternoon
PEPÉ DIEZ AND ANICETO GONZALEZ are repairing the stones that have come loose on the side of the home. Conchita's mother, ANICETA, is outside hanging up clothes to dry. CONCHITA, who is helping her mother, hangs up her last piece of clothing.
CONCHITA
Mamá, can I go with Mari Cruz, Jacinta, and Loli to pray at the calleja?
PEPÉ diez
(laughing)
Yes, let her go. Why shouldn't you let her go and pray?
AnICETo
No, you shouldn't go. Do you want people to laugh at you and at us and have them go around saying that you claim to have seen an angel, when it isn't true? No, you shouldn't go!
CONCHITA
(looking pleadingly towards her mother)
Mamá,
please, Mamá.
ANICETA
No! Aniceto is right. You already have everyone laughing at us.
CONCHITA
(in tears)
Oh, Mamá, please.
Jacinta, LOLI, AND MARI CRUZ, together, advance around the corner of a neighbor's home. They see Conchita.
MaRI CRUZ
(calling)
Conchita!
LOLI, jacinta
(calling)
Conchita! Conchita, come on, let's go!
AniCETA
Oh, my God, what a mess you got us into.
CONCHITA
There isn't any mess, Mamá. Please
AnICETo
Say no, Mamá!
AnICETA
But suppose it's really true, and I stopped her from going ... Okay. Go on.
CONCHITA happily runs to meet her companions and they all begin to run together to the calleja.
ExT. road to the calleja -- sunset
Conchita, MARI CRUZ, LOLI, AND JACINTA slow down to a fast walk from their previous running. They are excited and very happy. On the way to the calleja they pass VILLAGERS in the road and a group of young boys.
The VILLAGERS all laugh at the children,as CONCHITA and her companions charge up the road to the rugged calleja. A group of young BOYS whisper to one another and dash off in the direction of Conchita and her friends.
The YOUNG BOYS that have followed Conchita and her companions to the calleja and crouched in the field of maize stalks above the sunken lane. They begin to throw stones at Conchita, MARI CRUZ, Jacinta, and LoLI.
CONCHITA
Stop it! ... Stop It!
JacINTA
Leave us alone!
MarI CRUZ
Why are they throwing stones at us?
The boys, laughing, continue to throw stones at the four girls.
The SCHOOLMASTER comes out of his home with a stick and charges after the BOYS in his cornfield.
Schoolmaster'S VOICE
Get out of my corn! Get out of here!
The BOYS run away, throwing their last rocks at the GIRLS as they do so.
CONCHITA AND HER COMPANIONS are finally left in peace to pray the rosary.
CONCHITA
Let's begin. Oh, my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended You, and I detest all my sins because of the dread of the loss of Heaven and pains of Hell, but most of all because they offend You, my God ...
DiSSOLVE TO:
ExT. the CALLEJA -- nIGHT, JUNE 19, 1961
The SOUND of a STRONG WIND; it is CLOUDY. CONCHITA, MARI CRUZ, JACINTA, AND LOLI have buttoned up their sweaters against the cold.
JaCINTA,
MARI CRUZ, LOLI
(rapidly)
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
CONCHITA
(rapidly)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
JaCINTA, MARI CRUZ, LOLI
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
The four girls bless themselves with a simple sign of the cross using their rosaries' crucifixes. They sit and wait in silence, looking around, showing evidence of the cold WIND as its SOUND gets fiercer.
CONCHITA
Let's go home. It's getting too cold.
The girls continue to look around for the angel, but soon decide to get to their feet. The SOUND of the WIND continues. A RED CLOUD appears over them. They are frightened and head to their homes.
DisSOLVE TO:
INT. CONCHITA'S HOME, the kitchen -- nIGHT
CONCHITA enters the kitchen, warms herself, and looks at the food her mother, ANICETA, has on the fire. She gets a spoon and fork with which to eat and sits down at a small table. ANICETA pours her a hot drink. She begins to eat in silence.
ANICETA
Well, did you see the angel tonight?
CONCHITA
(sadly)
No, we didn't see him tonight.
AnICETA
Good. Then perhaps we are through with this foolishness.
CONCHITA continues to eat. As she does so she opens her closed fist to reveal the rosary clutched in her hand.
CLOSE-UP SHOT -- ROSARY IN CONCHITA'S HAND FROM CONCHITA'S VIEWPOINT.
INT. CONCHITA'S BEDROOM -- NIGHT
PULL BACK FROM THE CLOSE UP OF THE ROSARY IN CONCHITA'S HAND TO LONG SHOT OF CONCHITA, dressed in her long nightgown, as she gets ready to climb under her bed covers with her rosary in her hand.
She kneels down to bless herself before getting into bed. She makes the sign of the cross. Suddenly, her expression of sadness turns to an expression of being startled and one of joy, as if someone has told her some good news. In fact, what she has heard, and what the audience doesn't hear, is a VOICE telling her "Don't worry, you shall see me again." Excitedly, she continues her prayers with great fervor as she gets into her bed. Her mood is one of happiness and joy as she falls to sleep.
INT. home of mari cruz gonzalez -- DAY -- morning, june 20, 1961
The family room is simple, very poor, but clean. It is furnished with about four chairs, a small table, and has a few family pictures on the walls. ESCOLASTICO AND PILÁR, the father and mother of MARI CRUZ, are having breakfast, when MARI CRUZ excitedly enters the room combing her hair.
MARI CRUZ
Mamá, last night, while I was saying my prayers in bed, a voice from nowhere said to me, "Don't worry. You will see me again." I think it must have been the voice of the angel.
ESCOLASTICO
(eating)
An angel isn't enough! Now she's hearing voices.
PILÁR
Mari Cruz, say no more about this angel. Forget this thing. You are causing your father and me much grief.
MARI CRUZ
(tears welling up in her eyes)
But, Mamá ...
PILÁR
Please ... sit down and eat your breakfast, and bring your father some more coffee.
MARI CRUZ
Yes, Mamá.
She goes to the kitchen and pours a cup of coffee for her father.
EXT. road to CONCHITA'S home -- LATE AFTERNOON
JACINTA AND MARI LOLI are walking together towards Conchita's home.
JaCINTA
Let's ask Conchita if she, too, heard the angel's voice.
LOLI
It must have been that of the angel.
MARI CRUZ, upon seeing JACINTA AND LOLI, starts running towards them. She is excited.
MARI CRUZ
Jacinta! Loli! Wait for me!
JACINTA AND LOLI stop and wait for MARI CRUZ to catch up with them. The three of them hurry towards Conchita's home.
MaRI CRUZ
Last night a voice told me that I shouldn't worry, because I would see him again. It had to be the angel's voice.
JaCINTA
I heard the same thing last night!
LOLI
So did I!
MARI CRUZ, JACINTA, AND LOLI approach the door of Conchita's home. MARI CRUZ knocks on the door. CONCHITA answers the door.
INT. CONCHITA'S HOME -- EVENING -- JUNE 20, 1961
CONCHITA is at the door; MARI CRUZ, JACINTA, AND LOLI are outside of the door. ANICETA is sewing some clothes.
CONCHITA
Mamá, can I go to the calleja to pray?
AnICETA
No. Go to the church and pray.
JaCINTA, mARI CRUZ, LOLI
Señora Gonzalez, please let Conchita go with us. Let her go, please, Señora Gonzalez.
MARI CRUZ
We only want to go there to pray.
AnICETA
But why are you going there to make fools of yourselves?
LOLI
We are not going to make fools of ourselves.
JaCINTA
We are going to pray and see if the angel will come as he said he would.
ANICETA
You are all going crazy. No, I won't let her go. You go, but Conchita won't.
CONCHITA regretfully closes the door. She sadly looks out the window as her companions leave slowly and are soon out of sight, behind a wall, where they hide from ANICETA.
ANICETA goes to the door and opens it.
AnICETA
MARI LOLI! The three of you, come here!
LOLI slowly shows her head around the corner of the wall and walks out into full view. JACINTA AND MARI CRUZ follow LOLI. They approach the front door of Conchita's home.
ANICETA
Jacinta, you just said the angel told you he would return. When did he tell you this?
JaCINTA
The three of us heard his voice last night when we were saying our night prayers for bed.
CONCHITA
So did I, Mamá!
AnICETA
(believing a little)
Look, if you do what I ask you, I will let Conchita go with you.
Mari LOLI
(delighted)
Yes, yes, we'll do it.
AnICETA
You go ahead as if you were going to play and don't say anything to anyone. When you reach the calleja, Conchita will go by herself, secretly, so that no one will notice it.
MARI CRUZ, LOLI, AND JACINTA look at one another with the fear and uncertainty that this might be a trick to get rid of them.
CONCHITA
Go ahead, I'll come along shortly.
MARI CRUZ, LOLI, AND JACINTA begin to move faster towards the calleja with Conchita's assurance that she will come later.
EXT. lane to the calleja -- EVENING
CONCHITA, seeing MARI CRUZ, LOLI, AND JACINTA, begins to run across the field to catch up with them.
EXT. the beginning of the calleja -- NIGHT
CONCHITA, JACINTA, LOLI, AND MARI CRUZ are going to the spot where the angel appeared to them.
MARI CRUZ
Why did you take so long?
CONCHITA
(panting)
Mamá wanted me to wait.
JACINTA begins to run.
JaCINTA
Come on. Let's hurry.
The four girls run to the spot where the angel appeared.
EXT. the CALLEJA -- site of the angel's appearance -- NIGHT -- 9 P.M.
CONCHITA, MARI CRUZ, LOLI, AND JACINTA kneel down and bless themselves with a single sign of the cross using the crucifixes of their rosaries.
CONCHITA
Hail Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with Thee. Blessed art Thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of Thy womb, Jesus,
MARI CRUZ, LOLI, jacinta
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
The prayers continue as the CAMERA CHANGES ITS ANGLE with a DISSOLVE on the four children to show a passage of time.
CONCHITA, mari cruz, LOLI, jacintA
Oh, Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not our petitions, but in Thy mercy hear and answer us. Amen.
There is a pause as they wait and look about for the angel. As they are about to get to their feet, a VERY BRIGHT, GLITTERING LIGHT ENVELOPES THE GIRLS. The girls SCREAM. The glittering light disappears. Frightened, they rise to their feet and run down the calleja and into the village of Garabandal.
INT. don VALENTÍN's parish office in COSÍO, spain -- DAY -- June 21, 1961
ANICETA, ESCOLASTICO, SIMÓN, AND Ceferino are seated. DON VALENTÍN is seated behind his desk. The office is about 8 feet by 6 feet in size.
Don VALENTÍN
Yes, yes, I will come to Garabandal tomorrow. But don't interfere with their visits to the calleja. Something is happening ... the fact they agree in the details of what they report, that the angel did not appear when they wanted him to, and that the voice was heard by all four at the same time. Also, the light phenomenon, you say, has no meaning for your children. If these things were the products of their imaginations, they would have given us a reason for the "light", and we could detect discrepancies in their stories. All we can do now is wait and see. I will bring some friends with me who can investigate these things much more deeply than I.
ANICETA rises from her chair.
AnICETA
(worried)
Thank you, Father.
ESCOLASTICO, SIMÓN,
AND CEFERINO stand.
ESCOLASTICO,
SIMÓN, ceferino
Thank you, Father. Thank you, Father.
DON VALENTÍN stands and shakes their hands assuringly.
Don VALENTÍN
God be with you. I will see you again tomorrow night, or sooner. Aniceta, don't worry now. Everything will be all right.
AnICETA
Thank you, Father. Good-bye.
DON VALENTÍN'S VISITORS all leave. DON VALENTÍN sits silently thinking.
EXT. roAD TO THE CALLEJA -- AFTERNOON -- june 21, 1961
CONCHITA, JACINTA, MARI CRUZ, AND LOLI are going to the calleja, when they encounter SEÑORA CLEMENTINA GONZALEZ and her friend, CONCESA, who is in her thirties.
MARI CRUZ
Señora, why don't you join us to say the rosary at the calleja?
SEÑORA clementina
I don't want to make a fool of myself like you have done.
CONCHITA
Señora Concesa, would you like to come?
CONCESA
Yes, I'll come
CONCESA follows the children. CLEMENTINA, seeing her friend accept the invitation, changes her mind and joins them out of curiosity. Together, they start up the road to the calleja.
FIVE OTHER VILLAGERS, including MARÍN AND PEPÉ, upon seeing the children with Conchita and Clementina on the way to the calleja, decide to join the group.
ExT. the CALLEJA -- siTE OF THE ANGEL'S APPEARANCE -- AFTERNOON
CONCHITA, MARI CRUZ, LOLI, AND JACINTA are kneeling in the calleja. CLEMENTINA AND CONCHITA are standing with the teacher, MARÍN and four other VILLAGERS, including a small BOY AND THE CIVIL GUARD ON HORSEBACK. CONCHITA is leading the rosary. The group gives the responses.
CONCHITA
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with Thee, blessed art Thou among women and blessed is the fruit of Thy womb, Jesus ...
The group
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
CONCHITA
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit ...
The GROUP
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
CONCHITA
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The people are silent as the children wait for the angel. Soon the VILLAGERS begin to laugh and snigger in smothered tones.
MARÍN
(laughing)
If an angel appears here, he will be as crazy as we are.
Clementina
Come, let's go home. Nothing will ever happen in this God forsaken place.
CONCESA
Say a station! And see if that
way ...
As one person, CONCHITA, MARI CRUZ, LOLI, AND JACINTA are suddenly frozen to the spot on their knees in ecstasy. They have a sweet expression on their faces, which seem to REFLECT A STRANGE LIGHT. All are looking in the same direction, totally absorbed in RAPTURE. Their heads are thrown back at a great angle. Their unblinking eyes are staring up at the heavens. One child smiles.
LOLI
(in a husky whisper)
Who are you? ... Why have you come?
The laughter and chuckles of the villagers have ceased. The PEOPLE are gripped with a sudden fear of the supernatural. CLEMENTINA begins to cry.
ClEMENTINA
(crying)
It's true, it's true. An angel is really appearing to these little ones.
She turns to a small BOY in the CROWD.
CleMENTINA
Quick, run into the village and tell the people to come and see. Run and tell the people.
The BOY runs into the village. Suddenly, the FOUR GIRLS emerge from their rapture, quite normal, and smiling. The villagers gather around the children, hugging and kissing them.
Clementina
(excited and crying)
Oh, my children, when you see the angel again, tell him to forgive us for not believing.
The CHILDREN, in the center of the CROWD, and the crowd begin down the calleja to return to the village. They are excited, for they all believe an angel appeared to the girls.
INT. CEFERINO MAZÓN'S CAFÉ -- SUNSET
Mazón's Café is the rendezvous spot for the VILLAGERS. Today it is especially crowded because of the reported appearance of the angel at the calleja the night before. CEFERINO is pouring a drink for his customers, MARÍN AND PEPÉ DIEZ, who are seated together.
MARÍN
You would understand, Ceferino, if you had seen Loli's face yourself. We know that the children are telling us the truth. They were too beautiful. Why would an angel want to visit Garabandal? Nothing ever happens here.
PEPÉ DIEZ
Yes, Ceferino, to see your daughter and the others was to experience the joy of Heaven itself.
CEFERINO
No angel is appearing to my Loli or to anyone else in Garabandal.
A VILLAGER, putting a glass of wine to his lips.
VILLAGER
Ceferino is right. When we were children we were told many things that we put away as we grew older. What purpose do they serve. Angels have done nothing for me, or for you. If you want to believe in them, fine. I don't believe. I have yet to see an angel.
The VILLAGER drinks his wine.
MARÍN
Loli asked the angel who he was and why he came.
PEPÉ DIEZ
She said that the angel only smiled and did not answer.
VILLAGER
(laughing)
There, that's proof it was only their imaginations.
MARÍN
That proves no such thing. You had to be there to know that it was not an experience of this world.
DON VALENTÍN, and two other priests, DON MENDEZ AND DON GARCIA, enter the café. CLEMENTINA accompanies them. They advance towards CEFERINO, who greets them.
CEFERINO
Welcome, Father Valentín, come in.
JULIA
Here, sit here and be comfortable. Can we get you something?
DON VALENTÍN and his guests sit.
DON VALENTÍN
Yes, Julia, a little coffee, please. Also for my friends. This is Don Garcia and Don Mendez. This is Señor Ceferino Mazón, the mayor of Garabandal and father of Mari Loli, one of the children who claim to see an angel.
DON GARCIA AND DON MENDEZ shake hands with CEFERINO and they are seated again.
CLEMENTINA
"Claim to see", but Father, they do see him.
CEFERINO
Did you see the angel, too, Clementina?
CLEMENTINA
No, I didn't see him. But I saw the children seeing him. If you don't believe in this, you don't believe in God.
DON VALENTÍN
Please, please. We have no proof of anything. We must examine these things more thoroughly before we conclude what the girls may be experiencing. If we find more evidence supporting the claims of the children, then we will report it to the Bishop. He will judge this matter. Until then, we must be patient.
DON GARCIA
When do the children see the angel?
CLEMENTINA
Usually in the early evening, about 8:30 p.m., Father. The visions occur just after they finish the rosary at the calleja, just outside the village.
DON VALENTÍN
(looking at is watch)
That doesn't give us much time. A BOY runs into the café, excitedly.
BOY
Father, come, Conchita and the other girls are heading for the calleja.
The VILLAGERS in the café, DON VALENTÍN, and his GUESTS,leave their food and drinks and exit into the street.
EXT. STREET IN FRONT OF MAZON'S HOME -- EVENING
CONCHITA, LOLI, MARI CRUZ, AND JACINTA are hurrying up the street with a small CROWD OF PEOPLE following them to the calleja. DON VALENTÍN, DON GARCIA, DON MENDEZ, and CLEMENTINA join the crowd and follow the girls. CEFERINO, ANICETA, MARÍN, and PEPÉ DIEZ are in the crowd. Aside from Ceferino, the other parents of the girls are following their children. Some are carrying flashlights and torches. FOUR POLICEMEN from the Guardia Civil ride in from outside the village on horseback.
EXT. the CALLEJA -- sunsET
CONCHITA, JACINTA, MARI CRUZ, AND LOLI are kneeling in the calleja, leading the people in the rosary. PEOPLE are standing, some kneeling, and others are sitting on the banks of the calleja. DON VALENTÍN, DON GARCIA, DON MENDEZ, CEFERINO, ANICETA, JULIA, and ANICETO are very close to the children. Some of the people are praying with the children, others are just watching.
CONCHITA
(rapidly)
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with Thee, blessed art Thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of Thy womb, Jesus ...
The people
(rapidly)
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.
FOUR POLICEMEN are standing near the children to protect them from the SPECTATORS.
The PEOPLE and the GIRLS bless themselves. They now wait for the angel. There is a rustle among the people.
CONCHITA, JACINTA, MARI CRUZ, AND LOLI, as one, suddenly enter into RAPTURE. They are on their knees; their faces are transformed with an inner radiance; their heads are extended far back, their eyes focused on their vision upward. The crowd is stunned and silent. THE GIRL'S FACES REFLECT A STRANGE LIGHT.
CONCHITA
(in a husky whisper)
What is your name? ... Who are
you? ... Why have you come?
ONE PRIEST puts his ear close to Conchita's mouth to hear what she is saying.
CONCHITA
(in a husky whisper)
Please tell us who you are.
The girls are not aware of anything or anyone around them. DON VALENTÍN grabs a FLASHLIGHT and puts it close to CONCHITA'S face in front of her eyes. She does not blink. Don Valentín looks at DON GARCIA with a puzzled expression on his face. Suddenly, the rapture ends and the girls return to normal, smiling at the people and happy.
Voices in the crowd
It is certain. The angel appears. It is true. The angel comes to Garabandal. They have seen an angel.
The PEOPLE push in on the children. The PARENTS try to keep the crowd from crushing the children as they make their way back to the church of San Sebastián. The people are hugging and kissing the children. The POLICEMEN help lead the way.
VoiCES IN THE CROWD
It's true, the angel appears to the children! It's true, the angel appears.
INT. sacristy of the church of san SEBASTIÁN -- nIGHT -- June 21, 1961
The sacristy is a small area with no furniture. DON VALENTÍN, DON GARCIA, AND DON MENDEZ are present. Two members of the Guardia Civil stand inside the door. MARI CRUZ faces the priests. JACINTA, CONCHITA, AND LOLI are just outside the door of the sacristy under the care of the Guardia Civil and their PARENTS. In the square in front of the church a large CROWD of people with torches wait for the girls.
Don VALENTÍN
Thank you, Mari Cruz. Send in Conchita, please.
MARI CRUZ leaves the room as the POLICEMAN opens the door for her. CONCHITA steps into the room.
Don VALENTÍN
Hello, Conchita. This is Father Garcia and Father Mendez.
CONCHITA
I'm happy to meet you, Fathers.
Don garCIA
We are pleased to meet you, Conchita.
Don VALENTÍN
Conchita, what did you see tonight?
CONCHITA
I saw an angel, Father.
Don VALENTÍN
Jacinta, Loli, and Mari Cruz say the angel had a sword in his hand and a helmet on his head, and he was dressed in a full suit of armor.
CONCHITA
I did not see that. I saw a beautiful figure with pink wings, and wearing a long blue robe.
Don mendez
When you were seeing this angel, did you see anyone else?
CONCHITA
No, Father, just Jacinta, Loli, and Mari Cruz. I couldn't see anything else.
Don GARCIA
During your vision, you spoke to the angel. What did you say?
Conchita
I asked him his name and why he came.
Don garcia
And his answer?
ConCHITA
He only smiled at us.
DON GARCIA
Why do you think an angel has come to you?
CONCHITA
I don't know, Father.
DON GARCIA glances at DON VALENTÍN with an expression of bewilderment. There is a pause.
DON VALENTÍN
Thank you, Conchita. Wait in the other room with your friends, now.
CONCHITA
Yes, Father.
The POLICEMAN opens the door for CONCHITA to leave. He closes the door as she steps through.
DON VALENTÍN
Well, there appears to be no discrepancies again. Even when I tried to trick them with the description of the angel, I failed. They all agree perfectly.
DON GARCIA
I believe a child psychologist would be helpful about now.
Don VALENTÍN
We must send the children home, now, and I will speak to the people.
DON VALENTÍN approaches the door, which the GUARDIA CIVIL opens. He steps into the small waiting area with CONCHITA, LOLI, MARI CRUZ, AND JACINTA.
Int. Sanctuary in front of sacristy -- nIGHT
DON VALENTÍN smiles at CONCHITA, MARI CRUZ, LOLI, AND JACINTA.
Don VALENTÍN
Okay. Let's go home, now.
EXT. door to the church of san SEBASTIÁN -- nIGHT
The square is crowded; many have flashlights and torches. DON VALENTÍN opens the door and CONCHITA, MARI CRUZ, JACINTA, AND LOLI exit the church, in front of DON VALENTÍN. DON GARCIA AND DON MENDEZ are in back.
DoN VALENTÍN
I have questioned them together and singly. All four girls agree perfectly in their statements. These children undoubtedly see something that is not of this world. It might well be God's
work ...
VoicES IN THE CROWD
Father says it is from God. It's true, an angel comes to the children. The girls are telling us the truth. Father says that it is from God.
The PARENTS of the four girls and the GIRLS are escorted through the crowd. The two POLICEMEN of the Guardia Civil are the escorts. The excited CROWD of people are pushing in on the children as they make their way home.
InT. JACINTA'S HOME -- DAY -- JUNE 22, 1961
MARIA GONZALEZ, Jacinta's mother, is preparing a lunch for her husband, SIMÓN. JACINTA and her little SISTER are playing with their dolls.
MARIA
Go to work, now. I will have Jacinta bring your lunch to you in the field when it is ready.
SIMÓN puts on his jacket and beret and opens the front door.
SIMÓN
Maria, look at the people coming to the village. They're heading towards the calleja.
JACINTA drops her dolls and runs to the window. MARIA goes to the door.
EXT. street in front of jacinta's home -- DAY
Many people from outside the village are walking past Jacinta's home in the general direction of the calleja.
InT. jaciNTA'S HOME -- DAY
JACINTA looking out the window.
JACINTA
(excitedly)
Look, Mamá, the people believe. They must be going to the calleja to pray. Mamá, can I go to see Conchita? I'll be right back.
MARIA
No! You've got to take this lunch to your father in a little while.
JACINTA
Oh, I'll be right back, Mamá.
SIMÓN
Let her go, Maria.
MARIA
Okay, go, but come right back.
JACINTA runs out of the house.
Maria
Simón, I'm afraid. If these things are not true, we'll have much to suffer.
SIMÓN
No, Maria, if they're true, we will suffer more.
INT. ceferiNO MAZÓN'S CAFÉ -- DAY -- June 22, 1961
JULIA is washing and drying tumblers. CEFERINO is at the bar. ANICETO is seated at a table with PEPÉ and three other young men of the village. MANUEL GOMEZ, a man in his early forties, is standing and speaking to another VILLAGER. DOCTOR ORTIZ PEREZ, in his early forties, is seated with FOUR OTHER DOCTORS at a table. He is tall, slender, and wears glasses. The café is crowded with OTHER VISITORS AND VILLAGERS talking about the angel. FIVE PRIESTS are seated together at one table.
ANICETO
Apparitions are good for business, but you could run out of food and drinks.
CEFERINO
That's true, there are too many people and no place for them to rest. If this continues it could become disastrous for us. Have you written your brothers in Leon?
Aniceto
Yes, but I doubt they'll get my letter. They'll be home before my letter reaches them, I'm afraid.
DON VALENTÍN enters the café and goes towards ANICETO.
DON VALENTÍN
Aniceto, I want you to get some helpers and build a cuadro at the site where the angel appears to the children. This will protect the girls from the crowds. Make it big enough, though, so that the doctors and others can get into it to examine the girls during their ecstasies.
PEPÉ DIEZ
I'll help him, Father.
YOUNG MAN AND TWO FRIENDS
So will we, Father.
DON VALENTÍN
Good. Thank you.
ANICETO, PEPÉ, and the THREE YOUNG MEN at Aniceto's table leave the café.
MANUeL
GOMEZ
Hello,
Father Valentín.
DON
VALENTÍN
Manuel, I see you have left school long enough to investigate these things for yourself, eh?
MANUEL GOMEZ
You don't believe an angel is appearing to these children, do you, Father?
DON VALENTÍN
That is what I'm here to find
out ... aren't we all?
MAnUEL GOMEZ
It seems everyone has already made up their minds...or why all these people? I see the Church is well represented.
DON VALENTÍN
They are like you, Manuel, they don't believe. But we shall see.
ManUEL GOMEZ
Has the Bishop been notified?
Don VALENTÍN
Not officially, but I'm sure he has heard something.
MANUEL GOMEZ
This type of thing does much harm to the Church and to religion. I thought we passed the era when we needed messengers from Heaven to guide the Church?
DON VALENTÍN
I don't know. Maybe each generation needs something different. I don't know. Tonight you will get a chance to see for yourself...then judge.
CeFERINO
Father, a Doctor Ortiz asked about you. He's sitting at that table.
DON VALENTÍN
Thank you, Ceferino.
DON VALENTÍN leaves MANUEL and joins DR. ORTIZ. Dr. Ortiz and his guests seated at the table stand.
DON
VALENTÍN
Hello,
Doctor.
DR.
ORTIZ
Father, I'm happy to see you again. This is Dr. Maltiz, Dr. Gonzalez, Dr. Martinez, and Dr. Palacios. This is Father Valentín Marichalar, the Pastor of Cosío and Garabandal.
DON VALENTÍN
Welcome, Doctors, welcome. I see you brought an entire hospital staff. It isn't that bad, yet.
They laugh as they are all seated again.
Dr. ORTIZ
Tell us, Father, what is happening here?
DON VALENTÍN
I don't know how to explain it, or what to explain. I do know that four girls of this village claim to see an angel ... and when they see this angel, the girls are no longer in this world. It is important that you are here, Doctor ... to examine the girls while they experience their vision ... to determine what is happening.
Dr. ORTIZ
When will we get a chance to see the girls?
Don VALENTÍN
Tonight ... at the calleja.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. THE CALLEJA (THE CUADRO) -- nIGHT -- jUNE 24, 1961
DON VALENTÍN, DOCTORS ORTIZ, MALTIZ, GONZALEZ, MARTINEZ, AND PALACIOS, with the help of TWO GUARDIA CIVIL, are making their way through the crowd of people. SPECTATORS sit on the banks of the calleja. Many are holding torches and flashlights. The left end of the cuadro has an entrance way about two feet wide.
CONCHITA, LOLI, MARI CRUZ, AND JACINTA are in the cuadro in the state of rapture speaking to the angel in husky whispers. One PRIEST has his ear close to Conchita's mouth to hear what she is saying to the angel. Doctor Ortiz studies the girls briefly, then takes from his satchel a long needle and stethoscope. He sticks the needle into Conchita's left arm and listens to her heartbeat with the stethoscope. He then takes her pulse and checks her eyes. The other doctors watch. Dr. Ortiz then checks the other girls in the same manner. He returns his attention on Conchita. He lights a cigarette lighter and puts the flame directly below her left arm. There is no reaction from the children to any of Dr. Ortiz's experiments. They are insensitive to all this, as they smile at their vision and speak to it.
CONCHITA
(in a husky whisper)
Please tell us who you are and why you've come.
JaCINTA
(in a husky whisper)
Tell us and the people will believe. Some people believe and others don't ... make them all believe.
CONCHITA
(in a husky whisper)
Let them all see you as we do, so they, too, will all believe.
Dr. ORTIZ
Doctor Palacios, grab Conchita's other elbow and lift her up.
The TWO DOCTORS lift CONCHITA by her elbows about four feet from the ground. Her body remains rigid and in the kneeling position. Suddenly, an excessive weight force increases and causes the doctors to struggle to hold her.
Dr. ORTIZ
I can't hold her anymore ... I've got to let go.
Dr. PALACIOS
But Doctor ...
They both release their grip on Conchita's elbows and she crashes to the stone ground. The SOUND of bone hitting the stone is loud and clear, with a cracking effect. She remains in rapture, undisturbed.
CONCHITA
(in a husky whisper)
What does the sign mean? ... Can't you tell us? ... When you first came, we were very afraid. Now all we want to do is look at you ... you are very beautiful. How old are you? ... Why don't you speak to us?
MANUEL GOMEZ is standing next to ANICETO, just outside the cuadro.
MAnUEL GOMEZ
This is a farce. Your sister puts on a good act.
ANICETO doesn't answer. The DOCTORS begin to claw LOLI with a fingernail file. They pinch the flesh of JACINTA. Marks and lumps from all these experiments cover the arms and legs of CONCHITA, LOLI, MARI CRUZ, AND JACINTA. The rapture ends for the four girls. They return to normal, smiling and happy, and unaware of the ordeal they have been put through by the doctors. The SPECTATORS are excited. As a mob, the people crush in on the girls, while the GUARDIA CIVIL try to keep them back from the children. Aniceto directs Conchita, Jacinta, Loli, and Mari Cruz through the cuadro's gate and into the mule cart nearby. It is surrounded by FOUR POLICEMEN, SIX PRIESTS, THE PARENTS of the girls, and Don Valentín. They all begin the march down the lane to the church of San Sebastián.
DON VALENTÍN
Head for the sacristy. We'll go to the church, Doctor, then question the children.
DR. ORTIZ
Good.
Don VALENTÍN
Make way ... clear the way ... please clear the way.
The people are in the way of the mule cart as it moves slowly towards the church. Some are reaching into the cart to grab the hands of the children to kiss them. The people are excited and try to question the girls about their vision.
INT. SACRISTY OF THE CHURCH OF SAN SEBASTIÁN -- NIGHT
The sacristy is filled with five doctors and five priests. JACINTA is in front of DR. ORTIZ AND DON VALENTÍN. A POLICEMAN attends the door.
Dr. ORTIZ
Jacinta, are you sure you saw a sign with the angel?
JaCINTA
Yes, Doctor.
Dr. ORTIZ
Do you know what the sign said?
JaCINTA
No, Doctor, I didn't pay much attention to it.
Dr. ORTIZ
Why?
JaCINTA
Because the angel was so beautiful.
Dr. ORTIZ
Do those marks on your arms hurt you, Jacinta?
JaCINTA
(looks for the first time at her arm and with surprise)
No, Doctor. How did they get there?
Dr. ORTIZ
(pressing on those marks)
Do they hurt now?
JaCINTA
No, Doctor.
DR. ORTIZ whispers into DON VALENTÍN'S ear. He is apparently through with his questioning.
DON VALENTÍN
Thank you, Jacinta. You may wait with your friends. Now send Conchita in.
JACINTA exits as the POLICEMAN opens the door. CONCHITA steps in. The policeman closes the door.
DoN VALENTÍN
Conchita, I want you to meet Dr. Ortiz Perez.
CONCHITA
I'm pleased to meet you, Doctor.
Dr.
ORTIZ
(smiling)
Hello,
Conchita.
DON
VALENTÍN
Conchita, Dr. Perez was present during your last visit with the angel, and he wants to ask you a few questions.
Dr. ORTIZ
When you see this angel, do you see or feel anything else?
CONCHITA
I only see Mari Cruz, Mari Loli, Jacinta. And the angel, too ...
Dr. ORTIZ
But the others say they saw a sign with the angel.
CONCHITA
Yes, there was a sign. But I don't know what it means.
DR. ORTIZ
Did the angel say who he was or why he came?
CONCHITA
No, he only smiles when we ask him these things.
DR. ORTIZ
Conchita, do your knees hurt you?
CONCHITA
No, Doctor.
The DOCTOR examines closely CONCHITA'S knees, pressing on the marks.
Dr. ORTIZ
Does this hurt you, now?
CONCHITA
No, Doctor.
Dr. ORTIZ
May I see your arm?
CONCHITA raises her right arm for the DOCTOR to inspect.
Dr. ORTIZ
No, your left arm, please, Conchita.
CONCHITA shows her left arm to the DOCTOR.
Dr. ORTIZ
Thank you, Conchita. Do you feel any burning pain here?
CONCHITA
No, Doctor.
Dr. ORTIZ
You may question her, now, Father.
DoN VALENTÍN
Conchita, the sign that you saw with the angel ... do you recall anything about it?
CONCHITA
All I remember is that the
first line said "It is necessary that ... " But I couldn't make out the rest.
DON VALENTÍN
Do you recall anything else?
CONCHITA
I think I saw some Roman numerals on one line of the sign. But that's all.
DoN VALENTÍN
Conchita, I want you and the other girls to see Marín tomorrow and tell him all you can about the sign you saw with the angel, and perhaps, he will be able to write it out and make some sense of it.
DON VALENTÍN advances near CONCHITA.
Don VALENTÍN
Come, you and your friends may go home now.
The POLICEMAN opens the door and CONCHITA exits the frame.
DON VALENTÍN
I don't understand. An angel appears and says nothing. And, now he bears a sign that makes no sense to the girls. We are getting no place very fast.
Father olano
All of which proves nothing. These girls are playing games.
Father emiliano
I agree. Hypnotism can bring about the same results.
DOctor perez
More study must be done to determine whether the cause of this phenomenon is supernatural, natural, or in the order of the preternatural. In any case, the children are normal. When they see the angel, they are snatched from this world and their bodies become anaesthetized to natural stimuli of any kind. Why? They certainly see someone and they speak to someone.
DON VALENTÍN
Maybe they're telling us the truth.
FaTHER OLANO
What is the truth?
DON VALENTÍN
That an angel appears to them.
FaTHER OLANO
Oh, now Father, you don't believe that, do you?
DON VALENTÍN
Do you have a better answer?
INT. CONCHITA'S HOME -- DAY -- JUNE 25, 1961
THREE REPORTERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS are questioning CONCHITA about the apparitions. Other VILLAGERS fill the home.
First reporter
For two days now people have come to Garabandal, but there have been no apparitions of the angel. The people have become very disillusioned, and many no longer believe you see an angel.
CONCHITA
If God wants it that way, that is the way it must be.
Reporter
Do you think the angel will return?
CONCHITA
Yes, Señor.
FirST REPORTER
But why?
CONCHITA
Because he smiled so much at us ... and because he has yet to say who he is and why he comes.
Photographer
Conchita, may I take a picture of you?
CONCHITA
(looking at her mother)
Yes, if it is okay with my Mamá.
ANICETA
Yes, it is all right.
The photographers get their cameras ready to take pictures.
PhOTOGRAPHER
Okay. Hold it right there, Conchita. ... That's it. Good.
CLOSE-up shot -- CONCHITA from photographer's viewpoint. Freeze the frame on CONCHITA smiling.
InT. bishopric of santander -- DAY
CLOSE-up shot -- CONCHITA'S photograph published in the spanish newspaper. This newspaper is in the hands of the apostolic administrator of santander, don doroteo fernandez.
Pull back to med. LONG shot of don fernandez holding the newspaper with CONCHITA'S picture and article.
Don Fernandez is a priest in his sixties, heavy in stature, and tall.
Seated in front of Don Fernandez's desk are two priests, DON FRANCISCO ODRIOZOLA AND DON GARCIA RUBIO, AND two Doctors, DR. PIÑAL AND DR. MORALES.
Don fernandez
Yes, there is already too much publicity ... all of which has not been good ... such as this article on these children.
DON FERNANDEZ hands the newspaper to Dr. Piñal.
Don fERNANDEZ
I would like you to study these events objectively and make a formal report of your findings to me as soon as possible. My Administrative Assistant has made good choices, I see, in asking you, Don Francisco Odriozola, to serve this commission as Secretary, and you, Don Rubio, to be both our theologian and photographer. It is not always that we can use both of your excellent talents on an official task. Dr. Piñal and Dr. Morales have agreed to give generously of their time in assisting you in our investigation. For this, we are, indeed, grateful. Gentlemen, in conducting your investigation, keep in mind Gamaliel's argument in the Acts of the Apostles: "If this movement of theirs is of human origin, it will break up of its own accord, but if it does, in fact, come from God, you will not only be unable to destroy them, but you might find yourselves fighting against God."
EXT. THE CALLEJA -- 7:00 P.M., Almost full daylight saturday, july 1, 1961
The calleja is filled with people. Many DOCTORS and PRIESTS are present. CONCHITA, MARI CRUZ, LOLI, AND JACINTA are in a mule cart being led by ANICETA, PEPÉ, AND OTHER VILLAGERS. The PARENTS of the children also accompany the cart up the lane to the cuadro. As the mule cart approaches the cuadro, the crowd opens up and allows the children out of the cart to pass into the protective barrier of the cuadro. The four girls kneel down and begin the rosary, first blessing themselves.
CONCHITA AND THE PEOPLE
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
CONCHITA
(leading the rosary)
O, my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee ...
CUT TO:
INT. CEFERINO MAZÓN'S CAFÉ -- 7:00 P.M. -- July 1, 1961
The café is jammed. Among the people are DON VALENTÍN, DR. ORTIZ, MARÍN, CEFERINO, AND JULIA, who is fixing the food.
CeFERINO
I wish I knew why the angel appears to the children. It makes no sense whatever.
MARÍN
Speaking of no sense. I couldn't make any sense of the sign the children see but are unable to understand, Father.
DoN VALENTÍN
I believe the children, though. They are good and honest girls. It is hard for me to think that they are making up what they claim. How does one explain their beautiful expressions during the ecstasies?
MARÍN
I agree...to see is to believe.
DoN VALENTÍN
Ceferino, this is Dr. Ortiz Perez of Santander. Ceferino is the father of Mari Loli who sees the angel.
CeFERINO
I met Dr. Perez, Father, but not formally. A pleasure meeting you Doctor.
DR. ORTIZ
The pleasure is mine, Señor.
CeFERINO
I already see good coming from the apparitions. Loli is much better behaved at home now. She does what she is told to do immediately. Before, that was a problem with us. Now, she's perfect. In fact, when you think about it, it's unbelievable.
CLEMENTINA enters the café.
CLEMENTINA
Father, the children are at the cuadro already in rapture. Come quickly.
The café quickly empties into the street.
EXT. LANE LEading down to the cuadro -- daylight -- 7:30 p.m.
DON VALENTÍN, DR. ORTIZ, CEFERINO, AND MARÍN follow CLEMENTINA to the cuadro. We see them push their way through the sea of PEOPLE in the calleja.
ExT. the cuadro -- daylight -- 7:30 P.M.
CONCHITA, MARI CRUZ, LOLI, AND JACINTA are in the state of ecstasy. The people watching are stunned and listening to the children. A priest has his ear close to Conchita's mouth. Conchita expresses great astonishment and delight from her vision. There is a moment of silence while Conchita shows full attention to her vision.
CONCHITA
(in a husky whisper, delighted)
We hope she comes soon!
LOLI
(in a husky whisper)
What does the sign mean?
JaCINTA
(in a husky whisper)
Yes, what is the meaning of the sign you have with you?
JACINTA, MARI CRUZ, AND LOLI start to laugh. Their laughter is like the tingling of cymbals.
MARI CRUZ
(laughing, then in a husky whisper)
It is because she looked so strange.
CONCHITA
(in a husky whisper)
I am glad you showed yourself to them, too ... No one would have believed me alone.
CUT TO:
EXT. montage of LONG shots -- NIGHT
MORE PEOPLE are arriving in Garabandal. CARS are entering the village for the first time. Some people are traveling on HORSEBACK, others are walking. Many are carrying torches and flashlights. SICK PEOPLE are also in the line of people on the trail from Cosío to Garabandal. All are heading to the calleja.
EXT. cuadro -- nIGHT -- JULY 1, 1961 -- 8:30 P.M.
The cuadro is lighted by torches and flashlights held by people surrounding the children. CONCHITA, MARI CRUZ, LOLI, AND JACINTA are still in the state of rapture, conversing with the angel. PRIESTS are inside the cuadro with DR. ORTIZ and are trying to hear the conversation of the children with the angel. To do this, they must hold their ears close to the mouths of the girls.
CONCHITA
(in a husky whisper)
Don't go yet. Stay, please. Just a little while longer ...
JaCINTA
(in a husky whisper)
You have? That long? It seemed like two seconds!
The CHILDREN return to normal, smiling and happy. ANICETO ushers the children into an mule cart and it is drawn into the village to the church of San Sebastián. The people demand to know what the angel has said to the girls.
VoICES IN THE CROWD
What did the angel say? Please tell us what the angel said.
CONCHITA
(loudly)
The angel said that tomorrow, Sunday, on the Feast of the Visitation, the Virgin Mary will appear to us as Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
MARÍN
Did he say what the sign meant?
MARI CRUZ
He said the Blessed Virgin will tell us.
DR. ORTIZ
Why were you laughing?
JaCINTA
The angel reminded us that when Conchita first saw him we thought she was having a fit.
VOICE IN THE CROWD
Will the angel return?
CONCHITA
Yes, tomorrow, with the Virgin Mary.
The excited people pass the word along that the Virgin will appear with the angel tomorrow, Sunday. People in the crowd, close to the cart, reach into the cart to touch the girls and grab their hands to kiss them. The mule cart, carrying the four girls, is surrounded by the GIRL'S PARENTS, ANICETO, DON VALENTÍN, AND DR. ORTIZ.
INT. restaurant in torrelavega, spain -- moRNING
MIGUEL AND SERAFÍN, Conchita's two brothers, are seated at a table eating breakfast. Miguel is 18 years old and Serafín is 32 years old.
LEON, a friend of Serafín, sees Serafín and approaches his table.
Leon
Hi, Serafín. Say, do you guys know that an angel appeared to four girls in the village of San Sebastián de Garabandal?
SERAFÍN
Come on now, Leon, what's the joke?
LeON
Yes, it's true. Just now a friend of mine who drives a taxi came from there.
SERAFÍN AND MIGUEL start laughing. The TAXI DRIVER enters the restaurant.
LeON
Wait a minute. Here's my friend, now. He can tell you. Hey, Mazure, come here, will ya. Does an angel appear to four girls in the village of San Sebastián de Garabandal?
Mazure
(seriously)
Yes, the angel eats soup.
They all burst out laughing.
MazURE
Yes, it's certain, it's certain.
Their laughing continues.
CUT TO:
INT. home of CONCHITA'S uncle in torrelavega -- dAY
SERAFÍN AND MIGUEL are laughing.
PAULINO
Yes, it's true, but something else you should know ... one of the girls, according to the newspapers, is your sister.
PAULINO shows the newspaper with the picture of Conchita with long braids to her waist. SERAFÍN AND MIGUEL stop laughing as they look at the article.
Miguel
Well, let's go home right now.
SERAFÍN
No, no, we're tired now. We'll leave in the morning.
EXT. village SQUARE IN FRONT OF THE CHURCH OF SAN SEBASTIÁN DE GARABANDAL -- dAY
CONCHITA, MARI CRUZ, LOLI, AND JACINTA come out of the church along with other villagers and their parents.
CONCHITA
(running)
Come on!
MARI CRUZ, JACINTA, and LOLI run after CONCHITA. They make their way down the road towards Cosío.
EXT. road to COSÍO from garabandal -- dAY
MANY PEOPLE are coming up the trail into Garabandal. Some are walking, others are ON HORSEBACK, and TWO JEEPS are seen.
CONCHITA, MARI CRUZ, LOLI AND JACINTA, going towards Cosío, are met by some strangers on the trail. One STRANGER has a newspaper in his hand, which he starts to wave when he recognizes Conchita.
First stranger
Hey, here are the four girls that see the angel.
Other people on the trail stop in their ascent up the mountain road and gather around the four girls.
First sTRANGER
You're Conchita, aren't you? Here's your picture in the newspaper.
He flashes the newspaper in Conchita's face.
SECOND Stranger
Yeah, that's her all right.
First sTRANGER
Conchita, why does an angel appear to you?
CONCHITA
Maybe we'll know tonight.
SECOND sTRANGER
Do you really think it's an angel...or is it a UFO, you know, some unidentified flying object.
CONCHITA registers this absurdity and doesn't answer. She and her companions continue down the trail. The strangers feel slighted and continue their march up the road. Soon, the YOUNGER BROTHER OF MARI LOLI comes down the trail on horseback and advances towards CONCHITA.
Boy on horseback
Hey, Loli, Mamá is looking for you in the village...a lot of people want to talk to you.
The four girls decide to turn back to Garabandal.
A DRIVER of a 1961 Land Rover sees the girls.
Driver
(pulling his car over)
Hi, there. Want a ride?
CONCHITA
Okay. We were hoping to meet my brothers ... but it looks like they're not coming.
DriVER
(opening the car door)
Well, get in ... it'll save you walking.
The four girls get into the car. People step aside to let the car pass as they return to Garabandal.
ExT. village sQUARE IN FRONT OF THE CHURCH OF SAN SEBASTIÁN DE GARABANDAL -- DAY
PEOPLE are standing in small groups talking. When they see CONCHITA, LOLI, JACINTA, AND MARI CRUZ get out of the Land Rover they rush towards them. Some people are taking pictures, others are introducing themselves to the children. The four girls pose for pictures and, while doing so, they are in a very playful mood, and are acting shyly. Many PRIESTS and DOCTORS are present.
DON VALENTÍN is with a group of six persons near the church doors.
A car stops near the church and the driver, DON FRANCISCO ODRIOZOLA, advances from the auto towards Don Valentín.
Don FRANCISCO
Good afternoon, Father. Are you the Pastor of Garabandal?
Don VALENTÍN
(smiling)
Yes, Father.
Don FRANCISCO
I'm Francisco Odriozola, Secretary to the Bishop's Commission given the task of investigating the events here.
DON VALENTÍN
Welcome. I'm Don Valentín Marichalar. Come inside -- we can talk there.
INT. sacristy of the CHURCH OF SAN SEBASTIÁN
DON VALENTÍN AND DON FRANCISCO enter the sacristy.
DON VALENTÍN
I intended to inform His Excellency when more substantial evidence was on hand, but I see that is no longer necessary.
DoN FRANCISCO
No, the newspaper publicity prompted his action. Do you believe what these children say?
DON VALENTÍN
Yes, I do. But I can't give my reasons, other than you must know the girls as I do, and see them during their ecstasies.
DON FERNANDEZ
There appears to be a lot of hysteria among the people. In fact, what the children claim could be the result of hysteria, hypnotism, hallucinations, or even self-suggestion.
DON VALENTÍN
Even so, that does not prevent God from producing these visions, if He wishes.
Don FRANCISCO
That remains to be seen. According to the rumors the girls expect to see the Virgin today. I would like to interview them afterwards, if possible.
Don VALENTÍN
You may do that here, if you wish.
DON VALENTÍN begins to leave the sacristy.
Don VALENTÍN
Now, let's go meet the children.
EXT. chURCH OF SAN SEBASTIÁN DE GARABANDAL-- about 8 p.m.
DON VALENTÍN and DON FRANCISCO come out of the church.
The people in the square are standing in small groups talking to one another. PEPÉ DIEZ is in one group of people close to the church. The four girls are no longer present.
Don VALENTÍN
Pepé, where are the children?
PEPÉ DIEZ
They've gone to their homes for dinner, Father.
Don VALENTÍN
(looking at his watch)
A good idea. Will you be my guest, Don Francisco, for dinner? The father of one of the children has a small café ... we can eat there.
Don FRANCISCO
Sounds like a good idea. Thank you.
INT. CONCHITA'S HOME -- about 8 p.M. -- July 2, 1961
CONCHITA AND ANICETO are eating at a small table. ANICETA is preparing food in the kitchen.
ANICETO
Come on, Mamá, sit down and eat before everything gets cold.
ANICETA
I'll be right there.
CONCHITA
(excitedly)
Mamá, I've got to go, now.
ANICETA
But you just started your dinner.
CONCHITA
(excitedly)
I've eaten all I can ... I must go now to see the Virgin.
CONCHITA leaves the table and darts out the front door. On her way she grabs her rosary from a small table in the corner of the room.
ANICETA
But, Conchita, it's much too early yet.
AnICETO
You can't stop her, Mamá, she's too excited.
EXT. CONCHITA'S HOME -- about 8 p.M.
CONCHITA dashes out of her home. MANY PEOPLE, who are gathered outside her home waiting for Conchita, quickly run after her as they see her run towards the calleja.
EXT. LOLI MAZÓN'S HOME -- abouT 8 P.M.
LOLI excitedly darts out of her home. The people, standing outside her home, see her and run after her towards the calleja.
INT. jACINTA'S HOME -- abouT 8 P.M.
JACINTA, SIMÓN, AND MARIA are eating. JACINTA excitedly drinks some milk as she stands and begins to leave the home. JACINTA runs from the house.
JaCINTA
(excitedly)
I must go see the Virgin now.
Maria
But you haven't finished eating.
SIMÓN
Let her go. How can anyone eat when they're so excited.
EXT. jacINTA'S HOME -- abOUT 8 P.M.
JACINTA runs from her home towards the calleja. PEOPLE gathered outside her home, upon seeing Jacinta, run after her.
EXT. mari cruz's home -- abouT 8 P.M.
MARI CRUZ leaves the house excitedly running towards the calleja. PEOPLE outside the home run after her.
EXT. pathway leading to the calleja -- abOUT 8 P.M. -- JULY 2, 1961 -- FEAST OF THE VISITATION
This setting is located just before reaching the calleja and the cuadro.
CONCHITA, MARI CRUZ, JACINTA AND LOLI converge on one spot on their way to the calleja. People following each girl are in the background, chasing after the girls.
AN UNNATURAL LIGHT ILLUMINATES THE SKY AND VILLAGE AND BEAMS DOWN UPON THE FOUR CHILDREN AND ENVELOPES THEM WHEN THEY ENTER THEIR RAPTURE.
Just as the four girls meet, they suddenly drop to their knees. A loud crashing SOUND of their knees hitting the stone ground is heard. The girls' heads are thrown way back at the nape of their necks and they stare at their vision. They have entered into a state of rapture that makes their faces radiate joy, happiness, and peace. STARS RAIN FROM THE SKY OVER THE CHILDREN AND THEIR VISION.
After a moment of silence they speak to their vision. The people begin to gather around the children and watch in silence. The voices of the children take on a husky whisper quality during all their ecstasies. After each question by the girls, there is a pause for the response to their comments. Their voices are heard as husky whispers.
CONCHITA
Oh! What an eye! ... Yes, Our Mother Mary, we know that today is your feast. Did you celebrate it in Heaven, too?
MARI CRUZ
We are sunburned from working in the hay fields. We help our Papás stack hay.
CONCHITA
Everyone is behind in harvesting the hay. The grass is still piled up waiting to be spread to dry. But I don't care because I like to play in the stacks.
JaCINTA
Yes, I like to play in it, too. It's fun to fall in the grass and roll in it.
Mari LOLI
Sometimes, my Papá lets me help him at his store.
CONCHITA
I've two brothers who are coming home soon. They are older than me. I've another brother, too. ... Yes, Our Mother Mary.
MARI LOLI
I've five brothers and sisters. I'm the oldest. My Mamá is going to get another baby soon. I hope it's a boy.
CONCHITA
We're 12 years old, except Mari Cruz, she's 11, but we are all in the same school.
JaCINTA
There are only girls in our class. The boys go to another class.
MARI CRUZ
Our teacher is nice. Her name is Serafina. She's good to us.
CONCHITA
What's the name of the angel? Yes, Our Mother Mary, everyone wants to know.
JaCINTA
I've got a brother called Michael, too, but without the Saint.
The other three girls giggle at this remark.
CONCHITA
(sadly)
What's that dropping into the chalice? ... Oh! Yes, Our Mother Mary, our priest is very holy. His name is Don Valentín.
LOLI
(sadly)
They are? Well, we'll pray for them always and tell others to do the same.
CONCHITA
May I see it? ... I want to hold it.
CONCHITA takes into her hands an invisible crown of golden stars and examines it carefully. She then passes it to MARI LOLI, who studies it and puts it on the head of JACINTA. MARI CRUZ takes it from the hands of Jacinta after Jacinta removes it from her head. She examines it and returns it to the Virgin.
CONCHITA
What's that on your right
wrist? ... It's so beautiful. What's it made of?
DON VALENTÍN and DON FRANCISCO push forcefully through the crowd of people to get close to CONCHITA, JACINTA, LOLI, and MARI CRUZ.
The four girls bless themselves quickly with their rosaries, making a single large cross over their bodies with their right hands. First, they touch their foreheads, then their middle chest, then the left shoulder and then the right shoulder. They stop and watch their vision. Then, very slowly, they begin to bless themselves again, but this time differently and simultaneously, as they are instructed by the vision. With very slow and deliberate movements, using the backs of their right thumbs, they touch themselves on the forehead, down touching their upper lips, then chins, then the left cheek, then the right cheek, to the upper part of their chests, then to the lower part of their chest, then from the left shoulder to the right shoulder, and then to their foreheads again, to their middle chest, and then their left shoulder to their right shoulder. Now they bring the right thumb and index finger to their lips, as if kissing them. This action is done in perfect harmony with one another, while they keep their eyes on their vision.
CLOSE group shot -- CONCHITA, jacinta, LOLI, mari cruz
During the recitation of the prayers, the girls' voices are more audible and without the husky whisper that characterizes their regular conversations with their vision. Also, all their prayers during their ecstasies are very deliberate and spoken very slowly and distinctly with many and long, perceptible pauses between complete ideas.
CONCHITA,
MARI CRUZ, LOLI, JACINTA
O m-y
G-o-d, I a-m h-e-a-r-t-i-l-y s-o-r-r-y
f-o-r h-a-v-i-n-g o-f-f-e-n-d-e-d t-h-e-e ...
DON VALENTÍN AND DON FRANCISCO continue to come within sight of the children. They finally reach a spot where they can see the four girls. THE RAPTURE LIGHT DISAPPEARS.
CONCHITA, MARI CRUZ, LOLI, JACINTA
H-a-i-l
M-a-r-y ... f-u-l-l o-f g-r-a-c-e ... t-h-e L-o-r-d
i-s w-i-t-h T-h-e-e. B-l-e-s-s-e-d a-r-t T-h-o-u
a-m-o-n-g w-o-m-e-n ...
a-n-d b-l-e-s-s-e-d i-s
t-h-e f-r-u-i-t o-f
T-h-y w-o-m-b, J-e-s-u-s.
CLOSE shot of don FRANCISCO as he registers a disCONcerted and perturbed LOOK from what he sees and hears.
InT. sacristy of the church OF SAN SEBASTIÁN -- eVENING
CLOSE-UP SHOT -- DON FRANCISCO with a perturbed and stern look.
PULL BACK TO GROUP SHOT -- DON FRANCISCO, DON VALENTÍN, and CONCHITA. A POLICEMAN is standing at the door. Conchita stands in front of Don Francisco.
Don FRANCISCO
So, you saw the Virgin with St. Michael and another angel, eh?
CONCHITA
Yes, Father; and next to the Virgin was a square of red fire framing a triangle of fire with a large, gigantic eye at its center and some strange writing.
Don FRANCISCO
An eye?
CONCHITA
It appeared to us to be the eye of God.
DON VALENTIN
Conchita, what was the beam of light that illuminated the village during your vision?
CONCHITA
The Virgin came to us in that light, Father.
Don FRANCISCO
What did the Virgin look like, Conchita?
CONCHITA
She was dressed in a white robe with a blue mantle and a crown of golden stars. Her hands were outstretched with a brown scapular on her right wrist. Her hair is long ... to her waist ... dark brown and wavy, and parted in the middle. The breeze sometimes stirred it. She has a long face with a delicate nose. Her mouth is very pretty with slightly full lips. She looks about seventeen and is tallish. The color of her face is dark, but lighter than that of the angel...it's different. Her voice is very lovely and very unusual ... I can't describe it. There's no woman that's like her in her voice or anything else.
Don FRANCISCO
Did the Virgin say why she came?
CONCHITA
No, but she showed us a large chalice into which were falling drops of blood or tears, I guess, but I don't know for sure, because she didn't tell us. And she looked very sad when she showed us this.
Don FRANCISCO
Jacinta said that you all played with her crown.
CONCHITA
Yes. It was a beautiful crown of stars.
Don FRANCISCO
What did you and the other girls tell the Virgin?
CONCHITA
We told her lots of things about what we did at home and school and about how we went to the fields for hay making and she laughed as we were telling her so many things.
Don FRANCISCO
Did the Virgin say anything important to you?
CONCHITA
She said that we must pray for holy priests. She also said that immodest fashions would drag many souls to Hell. ... That we must dress decently to be saved.
Don FRANCISCO
Is that all?
CONCHITA
Yes, Father, but she recited the rosary with us to teach us how to pray it properly, and just as we finished she said that she was going away.
Don FRANCISCO
And what did you say?
CONCHITA
We told her that she ought to stay a little longer, for she spent so little time with us. She then laughed and said that she would come again on Monday.
Don FRANCISCO
That's enough for now, Conchita. Thank you.
CONCHITA stands and walks out of the room as the POLICEMAN closes the door behind her.
Don FRANCISCO
I find nothing here ... these children claim to see the Virgin and angels. She appears to them and they chat about trivialities and laugh ... and then they play with her crown of stars...and as a consequence, the atmosphere of the village is charged with hysteria. It's all rather ridiculous. I'm sorry, Don Valentín, but I am unconvinced and appalled, to say the least, with what I see going on here. However, I shall return with the other members of the commission. In the meantime, I advise you to be very prudent in these matters and not be so easily swayed by what you see and hear. Now, I'll go and tell the people outside what the girls have told us so they can go home and forget these things, too.
ExT. street of COSÍO -- nIGHT
A BUS comes to a stop at a street corner. MIGUEL AND SERAFÍN get off the bus with their suitcases in hand. The bus leaves. They begin to walk.
ExT. road to san sebastain de garabandal -- nIGHT
The road is a sea of people traveling in both directions on foot, and by a few automobiles. Most are leaving the town.
MIGUEL AND SERAFÍN, with suitcases in hand, are walking up the road to their home in Garabandal.
ExT. home of CONCHITA -- nIGHT
Mobs of people are outside and inside of Conchita's home.
MIGUEL AND SERAFÍN advance towards the house with their suitcases in hand. They step into the house.
INT. home of CONCHITA -- nIGHT
MIGUEL AND SERAFÍN step into the front door of their home.
CONCHITA sees them.
CONCHITA
Mamá, Miguel and Serafín are home. Mamá, Miguel and Serafín are here.
CONCHITA runs and kisses both of them.
AniCETO
(coming from the kitchen)
Hi, Miguel ... Serafín. Have you heard the news?
SERAFÍN
Yes, we read about it in the newspapers. Is it true?
AnICETO
Yes, it's true. Today they saw the Virgin.
SERAFÍN
Where's Mother?
ANICETA comes into the room and hugs and kisses MIGUEL AND SERAFÍN. She immediately prepares them some food to eat and something to drink. FRIENDS in the home welcome them back and begin talking to them about the visions. The home is charged with excitement about the apparitions. PEOPLE are trying to take pictures, talk to the children, and to one another about what the girls saw today.
There is much confusion in Conchita's home this night.
InT. office of don FRANCISCO -- dAY
DON GARCIA, DOCTORS MORALES AND PIÑAL are seated around Don Francisco's desk, and each are enjoying a glass of wine. DON FRANCISCO, standing, pours a drink for Doctor Piñal.
Don FRANCISCO
There ... a little Lourdes water is good for the soul ...
There is a round of laughter to this remark as DOCTOR PIÑAL lifts the wine to his lips.
Don FRANCISCO
We must not forget, gentlemen, that the Church has had many devout souls who, through unusual phenomena of their lives, produced deep impressions for good on others, and were even able to establish and govern religious communities which still endure. But, these same persons manifested every symptom of pronounced hysteria.
Doctor PIÑAL
Yes, it's not uncommon that strange psychic phenomena and pronounced hysteria can be coupled with a genuine love of God.
Don FRANCISCO
It's this very love of God that also blinds Don Valentín's critical faculty. He simply believes the claims of these children ... for no reason ... and encourages them. I suggest that we recommend to His Excellency that Don Valentín be restrained and that Conchita, who's obviously influencing the others, be brought here to Santander for your examination.
Don garcIA
I would also advise that Conchita's hair be cut before she comes, or she'll be recognizable, and we'll have more problems on our hands with her in Santander.
Don FRANCISCO
If we keep Conchita here in Santander for a few days, the change in environment, the beach and all, may change her completely, and the other girls in Garabandal, not under her influence, may also change.
InT. home of CONCHITA -- dAY
The home is very crowded with visitors. Conchita, LOLI, MARI CRUZ, AND Jacinta are playing with their dolls on the floor. Don VALENTÍN, SIMÓN, and DOÑA SERAFINA GOMEZ are speaking with SERAFÍN AND MIGUEL. ANICETO, PEPÉ DIEZ, AND DOCTOR ORTIZ PEREZ form another group. ANICETA is preparing sandwiches for everyone.
DOÑA serafina GOMEZ
(tears of joy in her eyes)
How lucky they are!
SERAFÍN
Yes, their luck cost me a lot of sleep last night. I didn't get to bed until four this morning.
Don VALENTÍN
(laughing)
You should have thrown them all out on their ears.
ANICETA puts some food on the table, which includes punch and sandwiches.
MIGUEL and PEPÉ help themselves. Miguel offers a drink to DR. ORTIZ, who accepts.
AnICETA
Conchita, it's time now ... you should go and say the rosary at the cuadro.
CONCHITA
But we haven't been called yet.
The room becomes silent, as all attention is focused on the four girls playing with their dolls on the floor.
Doctor ortiz
Well, now. How are you called?
JaCINTA
It's like an interior voice.
LOLI
But, we don't hear it with our ears, nor do we hear ourselves being called by name.
CONCHITA
It's a feeling of joy.
MaRI CRUZ
There are three calls.
CONCHITA
The first is a little feeling of joy. The second is a little stronger.
JaCINTA
But the third call makes us very excited and very happy ... then the apparition occurs.
CONCHITA
We only go at the second call, for, if we leave at the first, we would have to wait there a long time.
FADE OUT.
FADE IN:
InT. ceferino's CAFÉ -- dAY
Ceferino, JULIA, SIMÓN, Jacinta, AND MARI LOLI. Jacinta and MARI LOLI are playing dolls at a table. MARÍN is next to the children. JULIA is waiting on FATHER OLANO AND FATHER EMILIANO, who are eating.
CeFERINO
(to Julia)
The children say they receive some kind of call that bring them to the apparitions. Doctor Ortiz wants us to check the time when Mari Loli and Jacinta leave for the cuadro.
JACINTA AND MARI LOLI begin to act very excited and absent-minded and distracted when MARÍN speaks with them.
MARÍN
You are very fortunate, indeed, to see the Holy Virgin Mary. Will you ask her for some sign so that more people will believe?
JACINTA
Yes, I will.
JACINTA and LOLI, with a joyous excitement, drop their dolls and run out of the café. As they do so, CEFERINO looks at his pocket watch and notes the time.
SIMÓN
(loudly)
They're going to the cuadro.
JULIA drops her apron and prepares to leave. MARÍN dashes out after the children. FATHER OLANO and FATHER EMILIANO also run after the children.
ExT. the caLLEJA -- sunsET
CONCHITA AND MARI CRUZ converge with JACINTA AND LOLI at the base of the calleja and run together up to the cuadro.
ExT. the cuadro -- sunsET
Conchita, MARI CRUZ, Jacinta, AND LOLI run into the cuadro. Suddenly, they fall to their knees, their heads swing up and back as they stare at their vision. As their knees hit the stone a loud SOUND of bone crashing against hard stone is heard. In the bg. PEOPLE are running up the calleja to the cuadro. It is not easy for the people to make the ascent as the children did. The girls are in the state of ecstasy. SIMÓN, CEFERINO, JULIA, DR. ORTIZ, Don VALENTÍN, FATHER OLANO, AND FATHER EMILIANO are close to the children. PEPÉ DIEZ, MIGUEL AND SERAFÍN and other villagers surround the cuadro as spectators.
DOCTOR ORTIZ steps inside the cuadro to examine the children. DON VALENTÍN puts his ear close to CONCHITA'S MOUTH to hear what she is saying.
CONCHITA
(in a husky whisper)
Where is St. Michael and the other angel?
Doctor Ortiz turns to Ceferino.
Doctor oRTIZ
Ceferino, what time did they leave?
CeFERINO
Seven sharp, Doctor.
DOCTOR ORTIZ
Yes, it was seven for Conchita and Mari Cruz, also.
CONCHITA AND LOLI pick up some stones to amuse the Infant Jesus they see in their vision. Conchita puts them in the braids of her hair and Loli puts them in her sleeves. Jacinta picks up some small stones and attempts to hand them to the Infant Jesus. She then hands them to the spectators around her. The OTHER CHILDREN do the same, with the PEOPLE accepting the stones.
MARI CRUZ
(in a husky whisper)
If you come with me, I'll give you some caramels.
CONCHITA raises her arms and appears to cradle a baby in them. The other GIRLS in ecstasy want to hold the Infant also. CONCHITA gives the Infant to MARI CRUZ, who holds him momentarily with great care, then raises Him up to return Him to the Virgin.
Suddenly, all four girls' faces show a very serious expression ... a worried look.
CONCHITA
(surprised, in a husky whisper)
But how can we say that we didn't see you, since we are seeing you at this very moment?
JaCINTA
(in a husky whisper)
Work a miracle so the people will believe ... please.
CONCHITA
(in a husky whisper)
Don't go yet, You have only been here a second.
Mari CRUZ
(in a husky whisper)
You know a lot of funny stories, Conchita, tell her some so she won't go away.
The expressions of the girls become sad. Instantly, their heads lower and they are normal again.
The PEOPLE crowd in on the four girls as they are led to the sacristy of the church of San Sebastián. The people ask the girls what the Virgin said, but they do not answer.
A MAN, with his arm around a woman, gets CONCHITA'S attention.
Man in crowd
Conchita, pray for me and my wife.
CONCHITA takes him aside.
CONCHITA
(confidentially)
Father, don't joke this way. I know you're a priest and you should go back.
InT. sacristy of THE CHURCH OF SAN SEBASTIÁN -- evENING -- July 3, 1961
DOCTOR ORTIZ and DON VALENTÍN ARE TO THE RIGHT OF CONCHITA, MARI CRUZ, JACINTA, AND LOLI who stand together. Observing the questioning are FATHER OLANO AND FATHER EMILIANO, who are standing on the left side of the room.
Doctor oRTIZ
What did you see this time?
CONCHITA
The Virgin and the Infant Jesus, Doctor.
Don VALENTÍN
What happened to the angels?
MaRI CRUZ
They weren't with the Virgin.
Doctor oRTIZ
Why did you give pebbles to the people?
CONCHITA
We gave them to the Infant Jesus to play with, but He didn't take them. Instead, the Virgin took them and kissed them and told us to give them to the people.
DOCTOR ORTIZ
How old was Jesus?
MARI CRUZ
He looked about a year old.
Don VALENTÍN
Did he say anything to you?
CONCHITA,
jacinta, LOLI, mari cruz
No,
Father.
CONCHITA
But, the Virgin let us hold Him and He did laugh and smile at us a lot.
Doctor oRTIZ
Was he heavy?
CONCHITA, mari cruz
No, he didn't seem to weigh anything.
DOCTOR ORTIZ
He was weightless, but you touched him in your hands?
CONCHITA,
MARI CRUZ
No,
Doctor.
CONCHITA
Oh, no, you can never touch Our Lady or the Child.
Doctor orTIZ
But you held him in your arms.
CONCHITA
We couldn't bring our arms close to our chests. If we try to put our hands on the Virgin, we can't put our hands any further because she's there. Yet, we feel nothing, although she's just in front of our hands.
Don VALENTÍN
What did the Virgin tell you?
The GIRLS look at one another, as if for consultation.
Don VALENTÍN
Well, tell us.
CONCHITA
We don't understand too well.
DON VALENTÍN
Tell us what you can.
CONCHITA
The Virgin said that a time will come when all four of us will contradict ourselves about what we see, when our families will not behave well about them, and that we would even doubt seeing her, even deny her.
DON VALENTÍN
Is that all?
CONCHITA
No, she also said: "Thus, you will establish among yourselves the same confusion that now exists in the Church."
Father olano
(outraged)
This isn't the Virgin speaking, for there's no confusion in the Church. It's the Devil who said this.
Father emiliano
(angrily)
This whole thing is anti-clerical. I think we should inform the Bishop, immediately. If you don't Don Valentín, we will.
Doctor oRTIZ
Please, please ... not in front of the children.
Don VALENTÍN
Come, let's go outside with the people. You may return to your homes now, children.
inT. house of fontaneda -- DAY
FATHER RAMÓN MARIA ANDREU, S.J., AND FONTANEDA
FONTANEDA
But the Virgin gave them a message that the girls cannot make public until October 18th of this year. The Virgin also kissed many rosaries, medals, scapulars, and blessed objects given to her by the children from the people. Conchita tells us that the Virgin almost every day requests prayers for priests and that we do penance.
Father RAMÓN
Well, I can't say that we don't need their prayers and penance. But I hardly believe that the Virgin would appear to anyone in Garabandal to tell us this.
FONTANEDA
I've heard some remarkable things from people who have seen the children in ecstasy. Why don't you and your brother, Luis, join me on a visit to Garabandal to see for ourselves?
FATHER RAMÓN
I don't know, I've just finished giving a retreat and I have to conduct another in Valladolid.
FONTANEDA
All the more reason why you should go with me ... the vacation would be good for you, Ramón.
FATHER RAMÓN
Well, I can't make it, but I'll call Luis and see if he's free to go.
fonTANEDA
Good, tell him we can leave on Saturday, the 29th of July.
InT. CONCHITA'S home -- dAY
CONCHITA enters the home. ANICETA AND FATHER LUIS GONZALES are standing just inside the doorway.
AnICETA
Conchita, this is Father Luis Gonzalez.
CONCHITA
Hello, Father.
Father luis
(smiling)
Hi, there, Conchita.
AnICETA
He's ready to take us to visit with the Bishop. Are you ready to go?
CONCHITA
Yesterday, I asked the Virgin if she would let me go to Santander and she didn't forbid it. Yes, I'm ready to go.
ExT. road to garabandal -- dAY -- August 8, 1961
CLOSE SHOT -- FATHER LUIS ANDREU, AND FONTANEDA are driving in a jeep to Garabandal on a country road. FONTANEDA is the driver.
Father luIS
I look forward to this. It's not often one gets a chance to see a genuine ecstasy. If it's but a child's game, I've had at least a respite from my theology classes in Bilbao. We will have a country retreat.
fonTANEDA
This is beautiful country for such a retreat, Father.
Father luis ANDREU
As they say, "Without a little holy madness, the faith could never unfurl its standards."
FONTANEDA
(laughing)
Yes, it seems like a little madness all right.
He begins to distribute some food from a bag.
Father lUIS
Let's eat good and plenty, for St. Ignatius said if our mind and body are weak, we'll be easily deceived by the Devil.
They laugh as they ride on through the country.
EXT. front of the church of our lady of CONSOLATION in santander, spain -- dAY -- JULY 27, 1961
The TRAFFIC is heavy on the street. PEDESTRIANS are going in both directions on the sidewalk as the Bishopric's car pulls up the curb. CONCHITA AND ANICETA emerge from the car. The driver, FATHER LUIS GONZALES, also gets out of the car. They walk towards the Church of Our Lady Of Consolation. At the door of the Church Conchita falls to her knees with a loud SOUND of her bones hitting the stone step. Her neck is hyperextended as she stares up and back at her vision. She is in the state of rapture. The pedestrians stop to watch. Father Luis runs into the sacristy to get help; Aniceta remains with Conchita. FATHER FRANCISCO comes out with Father Luis. They try to arouse Conchita from her ecstasy, who is completely insensitive to their efforts. They try to lift her, but are unable to move her rigid body. Three POLICEMEN arrive and try to keep the spectators back. Seeing that Don Francisco's efforts to lift Conchita have failed, the policemen lend a hand. Three policemen and two priests at the limits of their strength lift Conchita and carry her into an office adjacent to the church. The door of the office is in a corridor leading to the church.
InT. CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF CONSOLATION -- DAY
CONCHITA is carried into the church by the THREE POLICEMEN, DON FRANCISCO, AND DON LUIS, who guide them. They set her rigid body down as she remains in rapture. ANICETA is close to Conchita with a worried look on her face. DON FRANCISCO thanks the policemen, who then leave.
Don FRANCISCO
Thank you, everything will be all right, now. Thank you.
The POLICEMEN, with puzzled looks, leave the church.
Don francISCO
Father Luis, get Dr. Piñal.
FATHER LUIS leaves the church.
CONCHITA
(in a husky whisper)
How beautiful. Oh, they must see you now in Garabandal, too.
ExT. the pine grove in garabandal -- dAY
Jacinta, MARI CRUZ, and LOLI are in the state of ecstasy. FATHER LUIS ANDREU and FONTANEDA are next to the girls. Father Luis Andreu has his ear close to the mouth of MARI LOLI listening to her whispering voice as she speaks to the Virgin. He is taking notes. The parents of the girls and about 30 spectators surround the children during this scene. This scene is for a very brief moment, as we CUT back to:
InT. church of our laDY OF CONSOLATION -- dAY
This is the same as in two scenes above. Nothing has changed. CONCHITA is still in her state of rapture seeing the vision of Our Lady. FATHER LUIS returns with DON GARCIA RUBIO AND DOCTOR PIÑAL. They, with ANICETA AND DON FRANCISCO, watch as Conchita blesses herself and returns to normal, smiling and happy.
Don FRANCISCO
Come ... let's go into the sacristy.
They enter the sacristy but, as they do so, CONCHITA turns towards the Blessed Sacrament and blesses herself. She then turns and hurries after DON FRANCISCO.
InT. sacristy of our lady of CONSOLATION church -- dAY
DOCTOR PIÑAL, DON FRANCISCO, FATHER LUIS GONZALES, AND ANICETA are standing to the side of CONCHITA.
DOCTOR PIÑAL
Why have you done those things. You're out of your mind deceiving people that way.
Advancing towards CONCHITA, DOCTOR PIÑAL puts his finger to his nose.
Doctor PIÑAL
Stand up straight and look at my nose.
CONCHITA laughs.
Doctor PIÑAL
I'm going to hypnotize you. Don't laugh, this isn't a laughing matter.
CONCHITA
(trying to be serious)
Your nose just looks funny to me, Doctor. I'm sorry.
DOCTOR PIÑAL stares into CONCHITA'S eyes as she stares at his nose. She starts to laugh again.
DOCTOR PIÑAL
You may think this funny, but a girl in your condition can be very dangerous to yourself and to others.
Don FRANCISCO
Conchita, we brought you here with the hopes of helping you. But, instead you seem to want to continue in your games. I have made arrangements for you to stay here in Santander for a few days. Would you like that?
CONCHITA
Oh, yes, Father. The Virgin did not forbid it.
DON FRANCISCO
Whatever ... My sister has agreed to watch after you so your mother may return to Garabandal. Tomorrow you will be examined by Doctors Piñal and Morales and, after that, you may go to the beach and enjoy yourself with a few of my nieces who are almost your age.
INT. small CAFÉ in COSÍO -- dAY
FATHER LUIS ANDREU AND FONTANEDA are seated at a table drinking coffee. TWO POLICEMEN are seated at a table next to the priests.
FONTANEDA
Didn't I say it would be a retreat? Seeing those children is a taste of Heaven on earth.
Father LUIS andreu
We must not let ourselves be deceived.
POLICEMAN
The Commission has taken Conchita to Santander, but the others continue to act as though they see the Virgin.
Sargeant-major of the civil guard
(interrupting)
Not only that, but Conchita is reported to have had an apparition of the Virgin in Santander, yesterday at 2 p.m.
Father LUIS andreu
That was when we were at the Pines with the others, yesterday.
Sargeant-major OF THE CIVIL GUARD
I'm sorry for interrupting, but I couldn't help it when I overheard your conversation about the children of Garabandal. I'm Elias Gomez of Barcelona, and I'm stationed here in Cosío, an assignment I'm beginning to treasure greatly.
Father lUIS ANDREU
This is Señor Fontaneda. I'm Father Luis. We just spent a few hours in Garabandal and hope to return soon. If what you say is true, it appears that the Commission's attempt to stop these apparitions is going to run into some problems from Heaven.
A montage of shots:
InT. beauty PARLOUR -- santander -- dAY
CONCHITA getting a hair cut. The HAIRDRESSER, who begins to cut her braids, faints. ANOTHER HAIRDRESSER takes over the job, and with great difficulty succeeds in cutting her hair very short.
InT. doctor PIÑAL's office -- dAY
CONCHITA'S eyes are being checked and her reflexes examined by DOCTOR PIÑAL.
InT. doctor morales' office -- dAY
CONCHITA is wired up to an encephalogram-producing machine. DOCTOR MORALES is taking notes and checking the machine.
ExT. beach of santander -- sunny day
CONCHITA at the water's edge with THREE GIRLS about her age. They are running and playing in the water. All are dressed in bathing suits.
EXT. fun fair at santander -- dAY
CONCHITA with her THREE GIRL COMPANIONS about her age are throwing darts at balloons for prizes. Two of the girls have stuffed dolls.
ExT. the CALLEJA, CLOSE to the pine tree grove, garaBandal -- dAY -- july 29, 1961
JACINTA AND LOLI excitedly run to the calleja near the pine tree grove. Many people are running after them.
FATHERS LUIS AND RAMÓN AND FONTANEDA are in the crowd of spectators. They can hardly run fast enough to keep up with Jacinta and Loli.
Father luis andreu
(perspiring)
I thought you said this would be a retreat, Ramón. Instead it's becoming an arduous mountain-climbing expedition.
FONTANEDA
(perspiring and tripping)
You're right. I'm ready to leave when you are. We didn't go through anything like this when your brother Luis was with me last time.
Father LUIS ANDREU
We must be getting old. We can't keep up with them.
JACINTA and LOLI fall into ecstasy at the calleja, just before the hill leading to the pines.
DOCTOR ORTIZ proceeds to take their pulse and diagnose their normality.
SPECTATORS crowd around the children and cause a NOISE so as to make it difficult to hear the visionaries' words, which are spoken in their usual husky whispers.
A LARGE NUMBER OF ONLOOKERS climb a rough stone wall near the girls to get a better look and the wall collapses.
TWO POLICEMEN of the Guardia Civil, one of whom is Elias Gomez, Sergeant-Major, attempt to restore silence.
TWO OTHER POLICEMEN have in their care a SMALL GIRL in a wheel chair. The PARENTS OF THE GIRL, stand near the wheelchair.
JACINTA AND LOLI suddenly return to normality.
LOLI
The Virgin says that we're to go up to the pines, and that our parents, the priests, the nuns, and the Guardia Civil can come, too. But they must remain at a distance. The rest must stay farther away still. Mary Carmen and Sari should come with us to the pines.
MARY CARMEN and SARI, both six years old, go with JACINTA and LOLI towards the pines. The other people follow up the hill. Calmly, Jacinta and Loli point out the positions that everyone should take. The people obey the visionaries. When everyone is settled, Jacinta, Loli, Mary Carmen, and Sari go to the pine trees.
ExT. the pine tree grove -- dAY
JACINTA and LOLI as one enter into ecstasy. Both have expressions of sadness, and they both begin to cry. Soon, they begin to blow kisses to the Virgin.
Don VALENTÍN
Mary Carmen, Mary Carmen, come here.
MARY CARMEN hears FATHER VALENTÍN and comes towards him.
Don VALENTÍN
What are they talking about?
Mary carmen
(shrugging indifferently)
They're asking the Virgin not to tell them sad things.
MARI LOLI and JACINTA rise to their feet. Loli takes the Virgin's crown in her hands, examines it, and tries it on, and hands it back to the Virgin. Loli raises up a medal and rosaries to be kissed by the Virgin, and then replaces them in her pockets. Jacinta folds her arms. They raise their hands, smiling now; they listen, they start to cry, and then they return to normal. The SPECTATORS, seeing that Jacinta and Loli are no longer in rapture, advance closely.
Don VALENTÍN
Why are you crying? ... Who did you see?
Mari LOLI
(tears on her face)
We saw our Lady of Mount Carmel. We held her crown in our hands.
Don VALENTÍN
What did she say?
MARI LOLI
The Virgin is very pleased because the people obeyed her. She says to say the rosary. She says that if you want you can come and say it here.
The SPECTATORS begin to say the rosary with LOLI AND JACINTA.
The people
Oh my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended You, and I detest all my sins, because I dread the loss of Heaven and the pains of Hell, but most of all because they offend You, my God, who are all-good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Your grace, to sin no more ...
JACINTA AND LOLI enter into rapture again. The PEOPLE stop praying the rosary and listen.
LOLI
(in a husky whisper)
Why have you come?
JaCINTA
(in a husky whisper)
If the people hadn't obeyed, wouldn't you have come?
LOLI
So that they'll believe?
They blow the Virgin a kiss.
LoLI
You're so sweet ... tomorrow we'll fast when we come ... we won't eat anything at all ...
JACINTA
Shall we kiss your scapular?
LOLI
(in a husky whisper)
Show us your robe again. It's white with white flowers on it.
JACINTA
(in a husky whisper)
Isn't it lovely?
LOLI
(in a husky whisper)
A Guardia Civil brought a little girl who can't speak or walk. I promised him ... cure her! Cure something so everyone can see it.
During this dialogue, FATHERS RAMÓN AND LUIS ANDREU advance very close to the GIRLS. Father Luis and Ramón have their ears close to the children and are taking notes. JACINTA and LOLI make the sign of the cross in perfect unison as they watch the Virgin. Their reactions to the Virgin are identical and in unison. Loli and Jacinta are very close to Father Ramón.
FATHER RAMÓN begins to suspect hypnotism as he studies the children.
Father RAMÓN's thought
(subjective thought)
If this is the work of God, may one of these two girls return to her normal state and the other remain in ecstasy.
Immediately, following Father Ramón's thought, LOLI comes out of her trance, turns slightly and looks at FATHER RAMÓN with a smile and JACINTA remains in ecstasy.
Father RAMÓN
Can't you see the Virgin?
LOLI
No, Father.
FATHER RAMÓN
Why not?
LOLI
She's gone.
FATHER RAMÓN
Look at Jacinta.
LOLI looks at JACINTA and smiles. There is a pause.
Father RAMÓN
(subjective thought)
Now, make Loli go back into ecstacy.
LOLI goes back into ecstasy, her head thrust back, oblivious to the world.
JaCINTA
(in a husky whisper)
Loli, why did you withdraw yourself?
LOLI
(in a husky whisper)
Oh! It was so that he would believe!
On hearing this, FATHER RAMÓN leans towards his brother, LUIS.
Father RAMÓN
Be careful what you think. The transmission of thought is like lightning here!
JACINTA AND LOLI, with their heads looking up, begin to walk backwards at a tremendous speed down the steepest incline from the pine grove. The PEOPLE must take a different route to descend the hill in order to follow after the children.
InT. doctor PIÑAL's office in santander -- dAY
CONCHITA, very worried looking, sits in front of DOCTOR PIÑAL, who is seated behind his desk.
CONCHITA
But I think the other girls may be seeing the Virgin and we must reveal her message in October, this year.
Doctor PIÑAL
If you return to Garabandal and persist in pretending to see visions, we will put you in an insane asylum and put your mother in prison. Now, you wouldn't want that to happen, would you?
CONCHITA
Oh, no, Doctor. I'm not seeing the Virgin anymore.
DOCTOR PIÑAL
Good. Now, will you sign this statement to that effect?
CONCHITA
Yes, Doctor.
He hands her a piece of paper, which claims that she no longer sees the Blessed Virgin, and a pen. She signs her name.
DOCTOR PIÑAL
Very good, Conchita. Now, you may join your mother and return with her to Garabandal. But, first, I want you to visit the Bishop and tell him that you no longer see the Virgin.
CONCHITA
Yes, Señor.
InT. church OF SAN SEBASTIÁN DE GARABANDAL -- nIGHT
MARI LOLI, JACINTA, AND MARI CRUZ are together in the church with their parents, SIMÓN, CEFERINO, JULIA, PILÁR, AND MARIA, and other VILLAGERS AND VISITORS. The church is filled to capacity, and the people are praying.
The pEOPLE
Queen of Virgins, pray for us.
Queen of all Saints, pray for us.
Queen conceived without original sin, pray for us.
Queen assumed into Heaven, pray for us.
Queen of the most holy Rosary, pray for us.
Queen of Peace, pray for us.
As the litany ends, LOLI AND JACINTA enter into an ecstasy in their pews. They stand and walk towards the altar steps with their heads thrown way back. Loli holds a small crucifix in both hands to her chest. The rest of the congregation is silently watching as they approach the altar steps. Their arms interlock and, as one, in perfect synchronized movement, they fall simultaneously over backwards, as if weightless, gracefully gliding to the floor with expressions of profound bliss. Their position is dignified and decorous. They remain with ease in this position, with their heads still looking back, smiling and happy. During the ecstatic fall, the people gasp for fear the children will hurt themselves and in wonderment afterwards. The spectators advance out of their pews to get into a better position to watch Loli and Jacinta. MARI CRUZ is also a spectator, and shows a sad expression for having been left out of the ecstasy. Only part of Loli's and Jacinta's bodies touch the floor, though they are in a complete reclining position, and that is their heels and the lower part of the their calves.
Mari LOLI
(in a husky whisper)
Please tell us when Conchita will return ... please.
JacinTa
(in a husky whisper)
Why hasn't she been seeing you, then?
LOLI
(in a husky whisper)
When will she return?
LOLI, jacinta
(in a husky whisper)
She is! ... Oh! ... She's back home!
LOLI AND JACINTA simultaneously and very gracefully rise up from their reclining position on their backs on the floor to their feet in the standing position without any assistance of their legs or arms -- as if they are carried up gently by some invisible force. They suddenly return to normality, smiling and happy. They bless themselves and turn to the PEOPLE.
LOLI
The Virgin said that Conchita and her mother have just returned to Garabandal.
ALL THE PEOPLE respectfully leave the church, genuflecting before the Blessed Sacrament.
EXT. town SQUARE in front of the church of san SEBASTIÁN de garabandal -- night
The PEOPLE empty out of the church and into the square.
CONCHITA AND ANICETA are just getting out of the BISHOPRIC'S CAR, which is driven by FATHER LUIS GONZALEZ. The VILLAGERS crowd around Conchita and her mother. MARI CRUZ, JACINTA, AND LOLI run to meet them.
Many persons try to hug and kiss Conchita, as she and her mother begin walking towards their home.
DiSSOLVE TO:
EXT. road from COSÍO to garabandal -- dAY
A CARAVAN OF FIVE AUTOS is slowly ascending the road. The car models are l961 or before that year.
EXT. square in front of church of san SEBASTIÁN -- dAY -- AUGUST 7, 1961
Five 1960 to '61 model automobiles arrive into Garabandal. Heading the caravan is one car driven by JOSÉ SALCEDA, a fifty-year-old chauffeur. His car is the first to stop. Salceda upon parking, proceeds to let his passengers out. FATHER LUIS ANDREU, RAFAEL FONTANEDA RUPLICADO and his wife CARMEN and eight-year-old daughter, MARIA CARMEN, emerge from the car. From another car steps FATHER ROYO MARÍN, a Dominican theologian, FATHER SERRANO, AND DON ANDRES PARDO, a young seminarian. Four persons emerge from each of the other cars. They begin to stretch their legs after the long ride. VILLAGERS watch the cars unload their passengers. DON VALENTÍN is walking over the small bridge in front of the church. He approaches Father Luis Andreu and his friends.
DON VALENTÍN
Welcome back. I'm glad to see you. I see you have brought the whole seminary with you.
Father luis ANDREU
(laughing)
Almost. I want you to meet Señor and Señora Fontaneda and their sweet daughter, Maria Carmen. This is Father Valentín.
They shake hands. Don Valentín puts his hand on the head of Maria Carmen and draws her close to him.
DON VALENTÍN
I'm pleased to meet you. What a beautiful little girl. Are you going to let me have a little of that pretty hair for my head, eh?
MARIA CARMEN shyly smiles and turns her head away, looking at her mother.
Don VALENTÍN
Where's your brother Ramón?
Father lUIS
He's giving a retreat to the nuns of Valladolid.
DON VALENTÍN
You have arrived just in time to serve as the parish priest of Garabandal for the day. I have to leave immediately for Torrelavega and should return this evening. However, if you will stay and say Mass, the Rosary tonight, and Vespers, I would appreciate it.
FATHER LUIS anDREU
I would be most honored to, Don Valentín.
Don VALENTÍN
Good, here are the keys to the church. I'm sorry, I have to run now to Cosío.
SEÑOR fontaneda
Do you need a ride? I can have my chauffeur. ...
DON
VALENTÍN
No, thank you, Señor Fontaneda. I have made arrangements already. But I appreciate your kindness.
DON VALENTÍN hurries back into the church.
Father luis ANDREU
(cheerfully, holding the church keys up)
There now, I'm the Parish Priest of Garabandal.
INT. the church of san SEBASTIÁN -- nIGHT
The church is filled to capacity. CONCHITA, MARI CRUZ, LOLI, AND JACINTA are with their PARENTS AND BROTHERS AND SISTERS. The visionaries have rosaries around their necks and their pockets are filled with medals and holy cards. FATHER LUIS ANDREU, the FONTANEDA FAMILY, FATHER ROYO MARÍN, DON ANDRES PARDO, FATHER SERRANO, AND JOSÉ SALCEDA are all into the church. Father Luis is kneeling at the altar steps leading the congregation in the closing prayer of the Rosary.
Father luis ANDREU
(with devotion)
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother! To you I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy, hear and answer me. Amen.
The PEOPLE bless themselves. FATHER LUIS stands. CONCHITA, MARI CRUZ, JACINTA, AND LOLI leave their pews excitedly and run to the foot of the steps at the high altar near Father Luis, where all four girls fall into an ecstasy, crashing to their knees with a loud SOUND, their heads are thrown way back as they look upward towards their vision.
CONCHITA
(in a husky whisper)
Yes, as you wish, as you command ... we haven't given any proof, yet, and the people don't believe ... at Lourdes and Fatima you gave them proof ... when we ask you for a proof, why do you look so serious? ... It's nearly two months, now.
Mari LOLI
Give it now. You keep saying you will give it, give it right now, so they'll believe.
CONCHITA
I don't mind going all over the place ... anything you say ...
The visionaries rise to their feet. Simultaneously they turn and rapidly march out of the church. Everyone in the church trails after them.