CONCHITA’S DIARY
SCREENPLAY
BY
DONALD J. BARBEAU
EXT. small bridge over rivulet in front of the church of san SEBASTIÁN de garabandal -- nIGHT
The bridge is only wide enough for two girls side-by-side to walk across it at one time.
CONCHITA, MARI CRUZ, LOLI, AND JACINTA have their arms interlocked as they exit the church and approach the small bridge in front of the church. Mari Cruz and Loli, side-by-side, walk on the bridge over the rivulet. Conchita and Jacinta, with their arms interlocked and looking up at their vision, walk abreast of Mari Cruz and Loli, also cross over the rivulet, but they walk on air.
The four girls head in the direction of the calleja. The SPECTATORS chase after them. FATHER LUIS has managed to stay with them, and he begins to take notes when the girls stop at the site where the angel first appeared. Some of the PEOPLE carry torches and flashlights.
EXT. the cALLEJA -- nIGHT -- AUGUST 8, 1961 -- 9:35 P.M.
FATHER LUIS AND SPECTATORS with torches and flashlights crowd around CONCHITA, MARI CRUZ, JACINTA, AND LOLI, who are in ecstasy. Father Luis is listening and taking notes.
CONCHITA
(in a husky whisper)
People say it's an illness we've got, and the little kids throw stones at us. ... If you're pleased with us, then it's all the same to us. ... When's the next time we'll see you, so the people will come? How do you like my short hair?
The four girls take the religious objects from their necks and pockets and hand them up to the Virgin to kiss. Conchita takes a rosary from her neck, hands it to the Virgin; the rosary FLOATS up to the Virgin, then FLOATS back down into the hands of Conchita. They then turn to the people and give them to their owners.
The VISIONARIES, in their trance, rapidly climb the hillside to the pines.
EXT. the pine grove -- nIGHT
CONCHITA, MARI CRUZ, LOLI, AND JACINTA are in ecstasy.
FATHER LUIS ANDREU, FATHER ROYO MARÍN, DON PARDO, CEFERINO, ANICETA, ANICETO, JULIA, PILÁR, AND SIMÓN are very close, surrounding the visionaries, as they walk to the pine grove.
CONCHITA
(in a husky whisper)
Yes, this is where the chapel to St. Michael will be built ... This is a good spot. ... Should we kneel down here?
The FOUR VISIONARIES kneel down and begin to sing a hymn to St. Michael. When they finish singing the song, they reach up, taking hold of something they see and kiss it. Conchita and Loli remove rosaries from around their necks and extend them to the Virgin to kiss. FATHER LUIS ANDREU looks deeply moved. He turns pale and stares upward in the same direction as the children look. He is suddenly transfixed. Tears stream down the cheeks of Father Luis, and he shows signs of great joy.
Father luis ANDREU
(with great emotion in a high voice and a loud husky whisper)
A
miracle ... a miracle ... a miracle ... a miracle.
FATHER LUIS, after a moment, returns to normality.
The VISIONARIES rise up and, at an accelerated pace, descend backwards down the steep hillside and in a rapid flight or march, they turn and go in the direction of the church.
FATHER ROYO MARÍN
Run to the church! The children have wings on their feet!
FATHER LUIS, FATHER MARÍN, and all the other SPECTATORS run quickly towards the church.
During the descent, both CONCHITA and LOLI drop rosaries they are carrying. Loli's rosary is of the finger type.
EXT. square IN FRONT OF CHURCH OF SAN SEBASTIÁN -- nIGHT
CONCHITA, MARI CRUZ, LOLI, AND JACINTA rapidly march into the square. FATHER LUIS, FATHER ROYO MARÍN, AND DON PARDO, along with their FRIENDS and SPECTATORS, follow the girls. The visionaries reach up to the Virgin with rosaries in their hands for the Virgin to kiss.
CONCHITA
(upset, in a husky whisper)
I've lost the rosary belonging to the student. Will he scold me? ... Eh? ... Where did I drop it? ... Up the hill?
LOLI
(in a husky whisper, surprised)
I have, too? ... Where? ... But that rosary belonged to Father Luis.
Suddenly and gently, Conchita, Jacinta, AND MARI LOLI are normal again and they see that MARI CRUZ is still in ecstasy.
MARI CRUZ marches into the church in ecstasy. CONCHITA, LOLI, AND JACINTA follow. The other spectators also go into the church with the girls. Conchita changes her mind, and leaves her companions and runs back to the pine grove to find the lost rosary.
INT. church of SEBASTIÁN -- nIGHT
MARI CRUZ walks towards the altar of Our Lady of the Rosary. She is followed by FATHER LUIS and his COMPANIONS and other spectators of the village. Some of the SPECTATORS climb over the pews, and one pew is damaged in the confusion. MARI CRUZ kneels and makes the sign of the cross very slowly and properly.
MarI CRUZ
(in a husky whisper)
H-a-i-l H-o-l-y
Q-u-e-e-n ... M-o-t-h-e-r o-f
M-e-r-c-y ... o-u-r l-i-f-e,
o-u-r s-w-e-e-t-n-e-s-s
... a-n-d o-u-r h-o-p-e ...
EXT. pine grove area where CONCHITA dropped her rosary -- nIGHT
CONCHITA looks around the area. She spots the rosary between some rocks, quickly picks it up, and runs back down the calleja towards the church.
INT. church of san SEBASTIÁN -- nIGHT
MARI CRUZ is in ecstasy at the altar of Our Lady of the Rosary. FATHER LUIS has his ear close to her mouth. The church is filled with spectators watching and listening to Mari Cruz.
MarI CRUZ
(in a husky whisper)
I'm so glad the Infant Jesus has come! ... It's been so long since He came! ... Why have You waited so long before coming to me, and why do You come more often to the three others? ... But my mother and father wouldn't let me come to see You.
MARI CRUZ holds up five rosaries for the Virgin.
MarI CRUZ
You're to kiss them for the people.
MARI CRUZ brings her hands to her chest and then blesses herself, immediately after which she returns to normal.
FATHER LUIS takes the children into the sacristy. The PEOPLE follow to the door of the sacristy, but do not enter. The PARENTS OF THE CHILDREN enter the sacristy with the PRIESTS.
During this scene the children are in front, then the women, and the men in the back or at the gallery. The door at the back of the church is called the men's door or doorway.
INT. sacristy -- church of san SEBASTIÁN -- nIGHT
MARI CRUZ, LOLI, AND JACINTA are standing in front of FATHER LUIS ANDREU, S.J., FATHER SERRANO, DON PARDO, FATHER ROYO MARÍN. THE PARENTS of the visionaries are standing in the room. Father Luis is taking notes.
Mari LOLI
Conchita went to get a rosary she lost, Father Luis. And I lost yours, too. But we can go and find it. The Virgin told me where I dropped it.
JulIA
But now it's too late.
Father lUIS
Yes, your mother is right. Tomorrow, in daylight, you can go and find it. If I don't come back again, you keep it safe and give it to my brother when he comes, because he'll certainly come.
CONCHITA enters the sacristy panting and out of breath. She goes towards DON PARDO.
CONCHITA
I lost your rosary, Señor, up at the pines. The Virgin told me where to find it. She kissed it for you.
CONCHITA hands to DON PARDO his rosary.
Don pardo
(bewildered)
Thank you, Conchita.
Father royo MARÍN
What did the Virgin say, Conchita?
CONCHITA
The Virgin wants a chapel built at the pine trees for St. Michael. She also said that soon Father Luis Andreu would be with her in Heaven.
FATHER ROYO MARÍN
Did you see or hear anyone other than the Virgin?
CONCHITA, MARI CRUZ, JACINTA, LOLI
Yes, we saw Father Luis Andreu, and we heard his voice.
CoNCHITA
He said, "Miracle". The Virgin said he saw the great miracle Jesus will send the world so that we will all believe and live the message.
Father royo MARÍN
Have you seen the miracle yet?
Conchita,
loli, jacinta, mari cruz
No.
FATHER ROYO MARÍN
If what they say about you, Luis, is true, we don't have to go on.
Father lUIS
It's late ... you all better go home and go to bed. We have had enough excitement for the night.
The PARENTS OF THE VISIONARIES take their children from the sacristy.
Father royo MARÍN
I'm not infallible, but I am a specialist in these matters and am able to state that the vision the children have is genuine. Four different signs indicate to me that there is no reason for doubt
SEÑOR fONTANEDA
Father Marín, if it is as serious as you say, why do you not remain here a few days longer?
FATHER ROYO MARÍN
It's impossible for me to stay, but this is so clear that it cannot be anything but true. I also think that it is a serious duty for the religious authorities to come here immediately.
Father luIS
Come, it's getting very late. We should head back tonight.
DissOLVE TO:
EXT. road to COSÍO FROM GARABANDAL -- nIGHT -- August 9, 1961
FIVE CARS in a caravan are going towards Cosío on a narrow dirt road.
InT. fontaneda's car -- road to COSÍO -- nIGHT
FATHER LUIS ANDREU is sitting next to JOSÉ SALCEDA. RAFAEL FONTANEDA RUPLICADO is in the back seat with his wife, CARMEN and his daughter, MARIA CARMEN.
Father luis ANDREU
We must return the keys of the church to Don Valentín.
FonTANEDA
José, stop at Don Valentín's when we get to Cosío.
JOSÉ SALCEDA
Yes, Sir.
DiSSOLVE TO:
EXT. parish house of don VALENTÍN -- COSÍO -- nIGHT
FONTANEDA'S CAR drives up and stops. FATHER LUIS ANDREU gets out and rushes to the parish house and knocks on the door. After a moment, DON VALENTÍN opens the door.
Don VALENTÍN
Come in, Luis.
FATHER LUIS hands DON VALENTÍN the keys.
Father luIS
No, thank you, Valentín, it's late and we must drive on the Aguilar. I just wanted to return the keys and thank you. Valentín, what the children say is true. But don't repeat what I have just said, for the Church can never be prudent enough in this kind of matter.
DON VALENTÍN
If what you say is so, how do we convince the Commission?
FATHER LUIS
We must leave that to the Holy Spirit and Our Lady. This has been for me a day of doubtless proof.
FATHER LUIS shakes DON VALENTÍN'S hand.
Father luis
I'm sorry I must rush, but it is a long drive. Good night, and God bless you.
Don VALENTÍN
Good night. When will you be back?
FATHER LUIS doesn't answer as he hurries into the car and drives away. FR. VALENTÍN is puzzled as to how Father Luis was convinced of the apparitions.
EXT. fontaneda's car traveling on a country road -- the aguilar del camp route -- night
One car is racing along the road
InT. fontaneda's car traveling the aGUILAR DEL CAMPO -- nIGHT
FATHER LUIS ANDREU is sitting next to the chauffeur, JOSÉ SALCEDA. RAFAEL FONTANEDA RUPLICADO is in the back seat with his wife CARMEN and his daughter, MARIA CARMEN, who is sleeping in her mother's lap.
Father lUIS
(turning back)
I'm in agreement with Father Marín on all points. How happy I am! I'm overwhelmed with happiness! The Virgin gave me such a beautiful gift! I don't harbour the slightest doubt about the reality of what has happened to the children. It is the truth!
FonTANEDA
(handing Fr. Luis a pillow)
Father, would you like to sleep for a while?
FATHER LUIS
An excellent idea.
He takes the pillow from Fontaneda, and positions it to rest his head.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. fontaneda's car traveling the aguilar del campo route -- nIGHT
FATHER LUIS in the front seat of the car, next to JOSÉ SALCEDA, the driver, opens his eyes after a sleep. He turns and sees that FONTANEDA, though hardly able to keep his eyes open, is awake. CARMEN AND MARIA CARMEN are asleep.
Father luIS
What a sound sleep. How great I feel, I'm no longer tired.
FonTANEDA
José, stop at that fountain ahead.
EXT. fontaneda's car stopping on a country road just outside reinosa near a natural water fountain -- nIGHT
The car doors open and FATHER LUIS, JOSÉ SALCEDA, CARMEN, AND FONTANEDA step out for water. They stretch a bit. José splashes water on his face. They get back into the car, and it speeds away.
INT. fontoneda's car travelling inside reinosa -- nIGHT
FATHER LUIS ANDREU sits in the front seat next to JOSÉ SALCEDA, the driver. FONTANEDA, CARMEN, AND MARIA CARMEN are in the back seat. Maria Carmen is sleeping in the lap of Carmen.
Father lUIS
(to José)
Did you get a drink?
JOSÉ SALCEDA
I had my eyes drink, because they were more thirsty.
FATHER LUIS
I'm full of joy and happiness! What a wonderful gift the Virgin has given me. How fortunate we are to have a Mother like that in Heaven. We need not fear the supernatural! We must treat the Virgin as the four children do! They are an example to us! I can't have the slightest doubt about their visions. Why should the Virgin have chosen us? This is the happiest day of my life!
FonTANEDA
Father, what did you see at those pine trees?
FATHER LUIS bows his head.
FonTANEDA
Father, is anything wrong?
Father luIS
(raising his head)
No, nothing, I just feel drowsy.
FATHER LUIS'S head drops again and he gives a slight gasp.
JOSÉ SALCEDA turns towards Father Luis.
JOSÉ SALCEDA
The Padre is very ill.
CARMEN reaches over the front seat and, grabbing FATHER LUIS'S hand, feels his pulse.
CarMEN
Stop! He doesn't seem to have any pulse. Stop, there's a hospital here.
EXT. street in reinOSA NEAR A HOSPITAL -- nIGHT
FONTANEDA'S CAR stops at the curb of the street. FONTANEDA gets out of the car and opens the door for FATHER LUIS, who is slumped over in the front seat.
FonTANEDA
Don't worry, Father, it will pass off, everything is going to be all right.
CarMEN
Let's take him to the hospital!
FONTANEDA
Don't be silly!
CARMEN
But he's unconscious and has no pulse!
CARMEN gets out of the car and runs to the door of the hospital, about ten yards from where the car has stopped. She rings the doorbell. A NURSE answers the door. They both return to the car. The nurse checks FATHER LUIS'S pulse and then his eyes.
The nurSE
He's dead!
CARMEN
But that's impossible! Something must be done!
The NURSE prepares FATHER'S arm for a shot, which she then gives to him.
FonTANEDA
José , get a priest and a doctor, quickly!
JOSÉ runs to the hospital for the doctor.
FoNTANEDA
Carmen, you stay here and watch ... I'm going to call his brother, immediately.
FONTANEDA goes into the hospital. CARMEN attends to the body of FATHER LUIS.
DISSOLVE TO:
InT. the office of the bishop of santander -- dAY
FATHER RAMÓN ANDREU, S.J., sits in a chair in front of the BISHOP, DON DOROTEO FERNANDEZ, who sits behind his desk. Don Doroteo is holding a written report in his hand.
Father RAMÓN
After the death of my brother I returned there many times ... and that is the report I have written on the ecstasies I witnessed.
Don doroteo
This is all very interesting, but the Church cannot accept these things, since there is no proof that what you say is from God and not from man.
FATHER RAMÓN
As you will find described in my report, Your Excellency, after my brother's death his voice was heard by the girls and they had conversations with him, though they didn't see him ... the girls saw a white light when he was speaking to them.
DON DOROTEO
What did he say to them?
FATHER RAMÓN
He taught them some words in French and German, and taught them to pray the Hail Mary in Greek. But what was most mystifying to me was the fact that they related exact details about the death of my brother and his funeral that they should not have known. They also talked about my brother and about me and my vows. They knew the precise date, the exact place where they had been pronounced, and the name of the Jesuit who had taken them at the same time I did. The girls could not have learned about these things, at least through purely human means.
DON DOROTEO
There is always the possibility of mental telepathy.
FATHER RAMÓN
But they claimed that the Virgin revealed these things to them in order that I would believe in the visions.
DON DOROTEO
And what do you believe, Father Ramón?
FATHER RAMÓN
I'm convinced that the children are sincere and not deliberately deceiving anyone or putting on an act.
DON DOROTEO
That may be, but it still doesn't change our position. I will submit your work to the commission for their consideration.
FATHER RAMÓN
Those few pages draw no conclusions, Your Excellency, they simply report the facts of what happened.
The BISHOP stands and begins to walk towards the door.
DON DOROTEO
Excellent. We appreciate your efforts.
FATHER RAMÓN rises from his chair. Both he and the BISHOP move towards the door.
FATHER RAMÓN
Thank you, Your Excellency.
DiSSOLVE TO:
EXT. near the pine trees -- nIGHT
CONCHITA, MARI CRUZ, LOLI, AND JACINTA are in ecstasy. They are enveloped in light. Joyful expressions are seen on the faces of each. After a moment the light fades and darkness begins to surround them. The SOUND OF MUSIC diminishes and light replaces the darkness, as their fearful expressions are overcome with peace and joy once again. Conchita lifts up Mari Cruz weightlessly off the ground towards their vision to kiss the Virgin. Jacinta lifts Mari Loli for the same reason. Then Mari Cruz lifts up Conchita and Mari Loli raises up Jacinta. After each has kissed the Virgin in this manner, the ecstasy ends with the natural evening light setting in.
Fade out.
ExT. square IN FRONT OF CHURCH OF SAN SEBASTIÁN -- sunsET
A TAXI arrives in the village square.
DON JOSÉ RAMÓN GARCIA DE LA RIVA emerges from the taxi. He has a camera hanging from one shoulder. He pays the driver and the taxi drives away. The town is filled with visitors. Don José Ramón approaches the first VILLAGER he sees.
Don JOSÉ RAMÓN
Hello, Señor. Can you tell me when the girls will see the Virgin?
Villager
Very soon. After the recitation of the rosary in the church, then the girls fall into ecstasy as they leave the portico of the church.
DON JOSÉ RAMÓN
That doesn't give us much time, does it? Thank you, Señor.
DON JOSÉ RAMÓN begins to scout about the village. As he walks he encounters CONCHITA, MARI CRUZ, AND MARI LOLI playing the game of de los tios. In this game, Loli has her back turned away from the other girls and is facing a wall. The other girls are changing places with one another and try to avoid being caught by Loli, when she suddenly turns around. The one seen moving must then take Loli's place.
DON JOSÉ RAMÓN stops a woman.
Don JOSÉ RAMÓN
Aren't those children the ones who see the Virgin?
Woman'S VOICE
Yes, Señor.
DON JOSÉ RAMÓN gets his camera ready to take some pictures of the children playing. The GIRLS notice this and begin to show signs of shyness and act excited. OTHER VISITORS, among whom are about FIVE PRIESTS, stop to watch and also take pictures. The children are playful, smiling, and vivacious. They have rosaries and chains with Medals around their necks.
The SOUND of the church bells signal the villagers to stop their work and go to the church for the rosary.
CONCHITA, MARI CRUZ, AND LOLI run off in the direction of the church.
DON JOSÉ RAMÓN follows the girls and the other VILLAGERS towards the church.
InT. church of san SEBASTIÁN -- sunsET
CONCHITA, ANICETA, JACINTA, SIMÓN, JULIA, MARI CRUZ, PILÁR, MARIA, CEFERINO, AND LOLI fill the front pews. The church is filled to capacity with OTHER VILLAGERS AND VISITORS.
DON VALENTÍN, FATHER RAMÓN ANDREU, AND FIVE OTHER PRIESTS are at the main altar leading the prayers of the rosary. DOCTOR ORTIZ PEREZ is also present in a front pew.
The priests
Hail Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with Thee. Blessed art You among women and blessed is the fruit of Thy womb, Jesus.
The congregation
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. ...
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. church at garabandal -- nIGHT
Congregation
(singing)
Salve Regina, Mater misericordiae vita, dulceda, et spes nostra salve.
Ad te clamanaus exules filii Evae.
Ad te suspiramus gementes et flentes in hac lacrimarum valle
Eia
ergo advocata nostra illos tuos misericordes oculos ad nos converte.
Et Jesum benedictum fructum ventris tui noblis post hoc exilium ostende.
O
clemens, O pia, O dulcis Virgo Maria!
The church bells ring and the PEOPLE begin to leave the church.
CONCHITA, LOLI, JACINTA, AND MARI CRUZ excitedly hurry out of the church after genuflecting and blessing themselves in front of the Blessed Sacrament.
As the church empties JOSÉ RAMÓN stays behind in prayer. DON VALENTÍN approaches him.
Don VALENTÍN
(softly)
Father, should the children return into the church in ecstasy, close the door after them so that the people may not enter.
JOSÉ RAMÓN
In an agglomeration like this, it will be difficult to control the situation.
DON VALENTÍN
I know, but they have already broken some benches and damaged the pulpit. They will obey you, I'm sure, if you tell them. Is this your first visit to Garabandal?
JOSÉ RAMÓN extends his hand and greets DON VALENTÍN.
JOSÉ RAMÓN
Yes, Father, I'm José Ramón Garcia de la Riva, Pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows in Barro-Llanes-Asturias.
Don VALENTÍN
I'm Valentín Marichalar, and this is Father Ramón Andreu and Doctor Ortiz Perez.
They shake hands.
José RAMÓN
I'm happy to meet you.
Father RAMÓN ANDREU
I see you brought your camera. These girls, when they enter into ecstasy, are very beautiful. They offer a field of study to theologians, psychiatrists, and medical science.
CONCHITA AND MARI CRUZ, arm in arm, enter into the church in ecstasy and go to the main altar where they begin to oscillate and enter into an ecstatic fall. JACINTA and LOLI enter the church in ecstasy and fall over Mari Cruz and Conchita in the form of a very beautiful artistic sculpture. JOSÉ RAMÓN takes some pictures. The visionaries rise up, as if being carried by an invisible force, to their feet and in ecstasy walk out of the church backwards, facing the tabernacle.
JOSÉ RAMÓN
This is fantastic! Where are they going now?
Don VALENTÍN
They will probably go and pray in the homes of the sick and at the cemetery.
Father RAMÓN ANDREU
Yes, these visions have taken them throughout the village in the state of prayer.
Doctor oRTIZ
This has been going on for months, now.
JACINTA AND LOLI, arm in arm, and MARI CRUZ and CONCHITA, arm in arm, enter into the church two at a time. They approach the main altar in ecstasy and oscillate backwards and are then raised up into the air in a complete levitation, about 3 feet from the floor. DOCTOR ORTIZ checks the pulse of the girls. At this moment, DON FRANCISCO, DOCTOR PIÑAL, DOCTOR MORALES AND DON GARCIA RUBIO, with his camera, enter into the back of the church.
Doctor PIÑAL
Is this farce still going on here? Get these imposters out of the church!
DOCTOR ORTIZ
There's only one imposter here, and that's you! This isn't the appropriate place to say these things, and much less so in public.
DOCTOR PIÑAL
Ah, so it's you! I have a few things to say to you in the sacristy.
DOCTOR ORTIZ
You may tell me whatever you want.
DOCTOR PIÑAL AND DOCTOR ORTIZ go to the sacristy.
JOSÉ RAMÓN
You're missing some very precious photographs, Father.
Father garcia rubio
I've taken all the pictures I need.
DON FRANCISCO walks up to the chancel then, turning his back on the Blessed Sacrament, he faces the people in the church.
Don frANCISCO
I will never believe these things, come what may!
DiSSOLVE TO:
INT. church of san SEBASTIÁN -- nIGHT
The church is dark, empty, and silent. JOSÉ RAMÓN sits in front of the Blessed Sacrament. The silence is soon broken by voices off screen.
Don rubio (o.S.)
Let's close the church and prevent them from worshipping here.
Don fraNCISCO (o.S.)
We shall send Don Valentín on vacation. He will easily accept this suggestion because he is nervous now. As for that Jesuit, Father Ramón, we shall drive him away. Next, we are going to forbid all priests to come to this village, and if this is from God, it will open its own way.
Silence fills the church once again as we hear a door close. Then DON VALENTÍN enters and approaches JOSÉ RAMÓN.
Don VALENTÍN
The commission said that we must lock up the church, now.
DiSSOLVE TO:
InT. ceferino's CAFÉ -- dAY
JOSÉ RAMÓN is eating breakfast. JULIA is in the kitchen preparing food. CEFERINO is at the bar.
DON VALENTÍN AND FATHER RAMÓN ANDREU enter the café and go to the table of JOSÉ RAMÓN.
JOSÉ RAMÓN
Good morning. Please sit down and join me.
DON VALENTÍN AND FATHER RAMÓN sit at José Ramón's table. JULIA comes to the table to take their orders.
Don VALENTÍN
Good morning, Julia. I'll have some coffee and bread.
Father RAMÓN aNDREU
I'll have the same.
JULIA goes to the kitchen to prepare the food.
Don VALENTÍN
The Commission says that you'll have to leave here.
JOSÉ RAMÓN
I know. I heard them last night in the church. Has this Commission ever questioned the children about their ecstasies?
DON VALENTÍN
No, never.
JOSÉ RAMÓN
Well, have they spoken to you?
DON VALENTÍN
They don't know that I exist.
JOSÉ RAMÓN
I already know that...and even more. ... Last night they said that both you and Ramón would have to leave here also. I'm sorry that I have to go so soon. I planned to stay for at least a few more days.
DON VALENTÍN
No, instead you can stay here as the parish priest, while I go to the Bishop and report what has happened. Here're the keys to the church.
JOSÉ RAMÓN
Excellent. At least acting as the parish priest, they can't force me out so soon. I also feel obliged to write to the Bishop about the bad impression the Commission has made upon me.
Close up -- father RAMÓN
Father RAMÓN
I agree with you. To make sure he gets it, send it certified.
DiSSOLVE TO:
ExT. portico to the church of san SEBASTIÁN -- daY
Close up -- father RAMÓN andreu.
PULL BACK TO TWO SHOT -- FATHER RAMÓN AND FATHER JOSÉ RAMÓN
FATHER RAMÓN ANDREU hands a letter to JOSÉ RAMÓN.
Father RAMÓN ANDREU
Since you're now the parish priest, this letter is for you. It's from the Chancery.
JOSÉ RAMÓN opens the letter and reads it to himself.
JOSÉ RAMÓN
It's an order to close the church against the girls when they are in ecstasy.
CUT TO:
EXT. portico TO THE CHURCH OF SAN SEBASTIÁN -- sunsET
The church congregation empties into the square.
CONCHITA, MARI CRUZ, JACINTA, AND LOLI immediately fall into ecstasy in the portico, just as they come out of the church. The PEOPLE gather around them to watch.
JOSÉ RAMÓN closes the church door.
The visionaries rise up from their knees and march towards José Ramón, where they stop, facing the church doors and looking upwards at their vision.
Loli, JACINTA
(in a husky whisper)
Why have they closed the church doors against us? We were not coming to do anything wrong inside. If they don't open them for us, we'll not enter the church anymore.
JOSÉ RAMÓN
You are quite right, but we must obey orders. Orders are orders.
The VISIONARIES listen to the Virgin and, after a moment, they begin to sing in unison the "Salve Regina." Some of the spectators join them in song. The visionaries turn in ecstasy and march around the church singing the "Salve Regina" during which they march backwards, then forwards. As they return to the front of the church, MARI LOLI is lifted up high into the air, as if she is weightless, by JACINTA so she can kiss the Virgin. She is then lowered, and then the visionaries blow kisses to the Virgin, bless themselves, and return to normal, smiling.
JOSÉ RAMÓN
Conchita, why does the Virgin appear?
CoNCHITA
She has an important message for the world.
JOSÉ RAMÓN
What is this message?
CONCHITA
The Virgin told us to reveal it on October 18, 1961 at the doors of the church, and that on that day we are to tell Father Valentín so that he can announce the message at the pines at 10:30 at night.
CUT TO:
EXT. church of SAN SEBASTIÁN DE GARABANDAL -- nIGHT -- october 18, 1961
The night is cold and rainy. About 5,000 PEOPLE with umbrellas fill the streets of the village and wait for the visionaries to reveal the message of the Virgin.
DON VALENTÍN appears at the portico of the church with FATHER RAMÓN ANDREU. Standing next to them is DON FRANCISCO, DON GARCIA, DOCTOR MORALES, AND DOCTOR PIÑAL.
DON VALENTÍN
(shouting)
May I have your attention? (He pauses until the noise lessens.) The Bishop's Commission does not want the message given at the entrance of the church or at 10 o'clock, as the Virgin requested. Therefore, it will be read at the pines at 9 o'clock.
The PEOPLE begin the 350-yard trek through the muddy streets, along the steep and slippery calleja, and up the last steep and dangerous climb of the hill to the pines.
EXT. the calleja -- nIGHT
FATHER RAMÓN ANDREU, with great joy and expectation, is making his way up the calleja. Halfway up, a great depression overtakes him. We hear his thoughts.
RAMÓN andreu's thoughts
These children are simply sick. Can't you see that this is only a miserable act put on by backward country folk?
RAMÓN stops and looks inquisitively towards the sky.
RAMÓN ANDREU'S THOUGHTS
If not, God, let the "great miracle" happen!
The PEOPLE move past him. He walks along again, then stops.
RAMÓN ANDREU'S THOUGHTS
I must leave this place for good. I'll return to Central America. These people are being deluded by this hoax.
EXT. the pine GROVE IN GARABANDAL -- nIGHT -- October 18, 1961
DON VALENTÍN holds a piece of paper in his hand. VILLAGERS with torches provide him reading light. The four VISIONARIES stand nearby. It is raining. There is a CROWD OF 5,000 PEOPLE; OTHER ESTIMATES ARE FROM 12,000 TO 15,000.
Don VALENTÍN
The meaning of the sign that appeared with St. Michael, and the message given by the Virgin to the children is as follows:
He reads:
Don VALENTÍN
"We must make many sacrifices, do much penance. We must visit the Blessed Sacrament often. But first, we must be very good, and unless we do these things, a chastisement will befall us. The cup is already filling and, unless we change, a very great chastisement will come upon us."
Suddenly, there is an impressive display of LIGHTENING, ROLLING THUNDER, RAIN, HAIL, AND WIND.
Below the pine grove -- nIGHT
FATHER RAMÓN ANDREU is in a state of great doubt and depression. It is raining with hail and a strong wind.
Father RAMÓN's thoughtS
This is the end of Garabandal.
The PEOPLE, carrying their torches, begin to descend the hill to the calleja. VOICES in the crowd claim that it was all a hoax to start with! There was no miracle! No proof of anything!
The four SEERS begin their descent until they reach the cuadro in the calleja. They are soaking wet.
EXT. the cuadro -- nIGHT (a fierce storm)
THE FOUR SEERS, descending into the cuadro. SPECTATORS follow behind them. THE SEERS crash to their knees in ecstasy. Some people stay to watch. Others move on down the calleja. The seers begin to cry. BOYS throw rocks at the seers. The seers are dry, in spite of the rain. To test this fact DON VALENTÍN, who has remained with the seers, puts his hand into the hair of CONCHITA. When he pulls it out, to his amazement, it is perfectly dry.
EXT. below the pine grove -- nIGHT
The storm continues. FATHER RAMÓN stands alone in the rain, hail, and wind. He slowly begins his descent into the village.
Father RAMÓN's thoughtS
I don't want to hear any more about Conchita.
ExT. street of garabandal -- nIGHT
The storm continues. One of LOLI'S YOUNGER SISTERS runs up to FATHER RAMÓN ANDREU.
LITTLE GIRL
Father Ramón, come, my sister, Mari Loli, wants to see you.
Father RAMÓN ANDREU
Yes, I must bid a final farewell.
InT. ceferino's CAFÉ -- niGHT
The LITTLE GIRL, Loli's younger sister, opens the door from outside. She and FATHER RAMÓN ANDREU enter the café. The storm is raging outside. The café is filled with PEOPLE. Father Ramón smiles at LOLI as she approaches him.
Mari loli
(radiant with joy)
Father, the Blessed Virgin told us that you doubt everything and are suffering very much. She told us to call you and tell you that you should not doubt, that it is really Her, the Blessed Virgin, who is appearing here. And so that you will believe, She told us to tell you that when you began to go up to the pines you were happy, and halfway up you became very sad and had many doubts, as you do now.
Father RAMÓN
Yes, I didn't believe anymore. But, now I don't know what to think.
Mari loli
The Blessed Virgin talked a lot about you to Conchita. Go to her. She will tell you what She said.
FATHER RAMÓN then leaves the café extremely negative, without belief.
INT. conchitA'S HOME -- nIGHT
The home is filled with PEOPLE, including all the members of CONCHITA'S FAMILY.
There is a knock at the door. ANICETA opens it. FATHER RAMÓN ANDREU is seen.
Father RAMÓN aNDREU
Is Conchita still up?
Aniceta
She just went upstairs to bed, Father. Come, she is still awake.
InT. conchita's bedroom -- nIGHT
CONCHITA is in bed. FATHER RAMÓN ANDREU enters.
CoNCHITA
Father, are you still sad or are you happy?
Father RAMÓN
I don't know. Loli told me that the Virgin spoke to you about me. Is it true?
CONCHITA
Oh, yes! At least a quarter of an hour.
FATHER RAMÓN
And what did She tell you?
CONCHITA
I can't tell you.
FATHER RAMÓN
Then, I'm just where I was before.
CONCHITA
There is something I can tell you, though. When you started up to the pines you were happy, but about halfway up you became very sad. And She told me everything you were thinking about and the exact place where you thought it. You thought, "Now I shall return to Central America." At another spot, you thought, "I don't want to hear anything about such and such a person," and you were suffering a lot.
FATHER RAMÓN
I'm sorry, Conchita.
CONCHITA
The Blessed Virgin asked me to tell you this and to let you know that all this happened, so that henceforth you would remember these events and never doubt again.
INT. KITCHEN OF CONCHITA'S HOME -- DAY
CONCHITA, ANICETA, AND FELIX LOPEZ
Felix lopez
(a school teacher in Garabandal)
Conchita, Father asked me to come by to interpret your letter from Italy.
Conchita
(as she picks up the letter)
Thank you, Señor Lopez. This letter was not signed, and there is no return address. I was told you could translate it for me. It's in Italian.
FELIX LOPEZ
(as he scans the letter)
Well, it says: "My Dear Children: At 9 o'clock in the morning, the Holy Virgin told me to say to you: 'O Blessed young girls of San Sebastián de Garabandal. I promise you that I will be with you until the end of the centuries, and you will be with me during the end of the world. And later, united with me in the glory of paradise.'
"I am sending you a copy of the Holy Rosary of Fatima, which the Virgin told me to send you. The rosary was composed by the Virgin, and should be propagated for the salvation of sinners and preservation of humanity from the terrible punishment with which the Good God is threatening it. I give you only one counsel: Pray and make others pray, because the world is at the beginning of perdition. They do not believe in you or in your conversation with the Lady in White ... They will believe when it will be too late."
By its style I would say that this letter is from Padre Pio.
CONCHITA
Do you know Padre Pio's address?
FELIX LOPEZ
Yes, I do.
CONCHITA
Could you help me answer his letter?
FELIX LOPEZ
I would love to. I have photos of Padre Pio for you.
ConCHITA
(excitedly hurries upstairs to her bedroom to obtain pen and paper)
I'll be right back to write our letter.
Cut to:
Int. Conchita's bedroom. CONCHITA ENTERS HER BEDROOM. AS SHE REACHES FOR HER PEN AND PAPER SHE INSTANTLY ENTERS INTO ECSTASY. CONCHITA BEGINS TO PRAY THE ROSARY.
DISSOLVE TO:
IN. KITCHEN IN CONCHITA'S HOME -- DAY
FELIX LOPEZ begins to locate the address in an address book from his wallet.
CONCHITA appears at the top of the stairs and descends the stairs with paper and pen in her hands. She gives the pen and paper and an envelope to FELIX LOPEZ.
CONCHITA
I'm sorry for the delay, but I had an apparition of the Virgin in my bedroom, and the Virgin gave me a secret answer to send to Padre Pio, who she said did write the letter to us and saw the great miracle.
FELIX LOPEZ
(receiving the stationary and pen from CONCHITA; he begins to address the envelope and prepares to write the letter)
FADE OUT.
INT. bishop's office -- santander -- daY
DON FRANCISCO sits before BISHOP FERNANDEZ, who is behind his desk.
Bishop doroteo
In view of your report, it is simply too early to make any final judgment about Garabandal.
Don franCISCO
But, Your Excellency, the situation has gone from bad to worse. Besides instilling fear in the minds of the faithful, it has become very dangerous. More than 2,000 people were there in the rain and mud, and when they failed to see a miracle there was great anger. Instead, all they heard was a threatening message about a chastisement ... and before this, a statement supposedly from Heaven that there is confusion in the Church.
BISHOP DOROTEO
All I can do is issue a public decree to the press advising priests, religious, and the faithful to refrain from going there without permission. This may help restore some peace in their minds.
DON FRANCISCO
I also believe that Don Valentín should be relieved as Pastor of Garabandal until this tension lessens. He can be sent on a vacation for a few months.
BISHOP DOROTEO
Whom do you recommend in his spot?
DON FRANCISCO
Father Olano would be right for it, because he doesn't believe in the girls in the least.
BISHOP DOROTEO
Very well. We'll inform him of his new assignment immediately.
DON FRANCISCO
It would show a great lack of sense by the Church if we were to accept any gust of wind of human opinion as coming from God. There is no proof that these visions, locutions, and revelations are true or authentic, or are to be taken seriously.
BISHOP DOROTEO
If this is the conclusion of your study, then that will have to be our position for now.
EXT. pine grove, garabandal -- dAY
CONCHITA, in ecstasy, runs up the steep, rocky path of the calleja and up the hill to the pine grove. TWENTY SPECTATORS, including FIVE PRIESTS, chase after her.
As CONCHITA reaches the pine grove she falls to her knees with a loud cracking SOUND. Her eyes are looking upward with her head back and neck hyperextended. She makes the sign of the cross in the customary manner with the right hand, which is holding a crucifix.
CONCHITA
(in a husky whisper)
I confess to Almighty God, to the Blessed Mary, ever Virgin, to St. Michael, the Archangel, to Blessed John the Baptist, to the Holy Apostles, Peter and Paul, and to all the saints, that I have sinned exceedingly in thought, word and deed, through my fault ...
The PEOPLE are seen climbing the hill to the pines and gathering around CONCHITA. Some are taking pictures.
CONCHITA opens her mouth and extends her tongue. She then draws her tongue back into her mouth and swallows.
CoNCHITA
(in a husky whisper)
Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O good Jesus, hear me.
Separated from you let me never be.
From the malignant enemy, defend me.
At the hour of death, call me and close to you bid me. That with your saints I may be praising you, forever and forever. Amen
CONCHITA blesses herself after each line of the prayer. At the end of the prayer she lowers her head, smiling and happy.
ANICETO approaches CONCHITA.
Aniceto
Conchita, Father Olano wants to see you in the sacristy. Come on.
They start down the hill, through the calleja, to the church.
INT. sacristy of the CHURCH OF SAN SEBASTIÁN -- DAY -- JULY 8, 1962
FATHER OLANO faces CONCHITA, who stands before him alone.
Father olanO
It appears, Conchita, that when the Bishop orders the priests not to say Mass here, you then take up the playacting of receiving Holy Communion, which no one sees but yourself.
ConCHITA
Oh, no Father. St. Michael only brings us Communion when no priest is in the village. At first we were surprised when we learned that no one sees the Host on our tongues.
FATHER OLANO
An angel can't give you Communion. Angels can't consecrate hosts. Where would he get them?
CONCHITA
I asked the Virgin this and she said that he got them from the tabernacles on earth. It is true an angel can't consecrate.
FATHER OLANO
Well, then, which is the greatest, the angel or the priest?
CONCHITA
The Priest has more power than the angel, for only he can say Mass and hold Jesus in his hands.
FATHER OLANO
If so, which do you prefer to see, the angel or me?
CONCHITA
The angel of course! He is much better looking than you!
FATHER OLANO
Well, Conchita, I agree with you, but I will never believe that you are receiving invisible Communion from an angel.
CONCHITA
The Virgin has promised proof, Father.
FATHER OLANO
Oh, what kind of proof?
CONCHITA
When we asked the Virgin to work a miracle, St. Michael said God is going to make the Host visible on my tongue, so that everyone who sees will believe. It is only a little miracle, though.
FATHER OLANO
When will this happen?
CONCHITA
On July 18, Father.
FATHER OLANO
How can you be sure?
CONCHITA
Because the angel and the Virgin promised.
FATHER OLANO
Have you told anybody this?
CONCHITA
Yes, Father, I have written to the Bishop, the Commission, and to many priests who have visited Garabandal.
FATHER OLANO
I don't want you to write any more people about this. Do you understand? Are you mad?
CONCHITA
Father Valentín has already told me I shouldn't, and the other people who don't believe. So, I obeyed him. But the Virgin and the angel ordered me to announce the miracle...but no one seems to believe me.
FATHER OLANO
Conchita, you've started something here that will eventually bring much suffering to yourself and to many others. Don't you know what you are doing? Have you completely lost your mind?
CONCHITA
I'm sorry, Father.
DiSSOLVE TO:
EXT. outside of conchita's home -- niGHT -- JULY 18, 1962
The VILLAGE is filled with 5,000 PILGRIMS AND SIGHTSEERS. It is also the feast day of San Sebastián and, as a result, there is a fiesta with the music of bagpipes and tambourines, with dancing and carousing in the streets. Near Conchita's home is a group of pilgrims saying the rosary. The door to Conchita's home is open. Her home is filled with people. MIGUEL is sitting in the doorway to block any more people from entering. But the people just step over and around him. The crowd of pilgrims are getting discouraged and openly incredulous. They talk of leaving because the hour is late and nothing has happened.
First viLLAGER
It's already 12:30 A.M. and the 19th. She said the miracle would happen on the 18th.
Second VILLAGER
But the 18th doesn't really end until about 1:00 A.M. By the sun.
This news spreads like lightning among those leaving the village.
MIGUEL gets up and closes the door.
InT. home of conchita -- nIGHT
MIGUEL closes the door. He turns towards CONCHITA, who is surrounded by visitors. The home is packed with PEOPLE and many PRIESTS.
MigUEL
I'm going to bed ... nothing's going to happen.
CoNCHITA
Wait a little longer, because in a little while I'll be going out.
MIGUEL
But when the people are dancing and carousing, the angel won't appear.
CONCHITA
Dancing or no dancing, the miracle will happen. I've already received a call. Mamá, ask everyone to leave, except the priests, now.
AniceTA
Everyone, except priests, must go outside now, Conchita says.
The PEOPLE leave the home. CONCHITA goes upstairs to her bedroom.
INT. conchita's bedROOM -- nIGHT
CONCHITA enters her room and sits on the bed, leaning against the wall. She closes her eyes to get some rest.
A PHOTOGRAPH of padre pio, hIS LETTER AND A ROSARY ON THE TABLE.
INT. conchita's living room -- nIGHT
GROUP SHOT: ANICETO, ANICETA, SERAFÍN, MIGUEL, AND FIVE PRIESTS are in the living room. Serafín checks his watch.
SERAFÍN
I don't know ... It's getting
late ... soon the 18th will be gone forever.
CONCHITA appears in ecstasy at the top of the stairs. Her rapture softens, embellishes, and enlightens her face. She descends the stairs very fast with her eyes cast upward on her vision and with her head thrown way back. She goes towards the door. MIGUEL quickly opens it as she passes through. She holds a crucifix in her hands.
EXT. conCHITA'S HOME -- nIGHT -- near midnight SUNTIME july 18, 1962
CONCHITA, in ecstasy with a crucifix in her hands, passes through the DENSE CROWD outside her home. The multitude is milling around her as she passes through. People fall to the ground and are trampled by others. The mob runs, shoving and elbowing one another.
CONCHITA is seen in the mob of PEOPLE about 20 feet deep. She turns left along the lane formed by the side of her house and a low wall. She turns left again, and suddenly falls to her knees with a loud cracking SOUND of her knees hitting the stone. She is right in the middle of the alley, which is fairly wide to accommodate a vast number of the people. Her unexpected fall causes an avalanche of people to be carried past on either side of her by their own momentum. JOSÉ DIEZ is right next to Conchita, kneeling with a flashlight, which he shines right into Conchita's eyes. ALEJANDRO DAMIANS, a rather tall man, is also standing next to her. He has an 8MM movie camera in his hand, but still in its case. All those within the immediate circle of Conchita are withstanding the pushing from those behind. Gradually, the shoves cease and relative calm ensues.
The sky is studded with stars and the moon, the light of which, coupled with the torches in the hands of spectators, provides enough light to see Conchita's face.
CONCHITA blesses herself in the customary manner.
CONCHITA
O, my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, 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 Thee, my God, who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near occasions of sin. Amen.
CONCHITA puts out her tongue with an awesome expression and attitude of mysticism. Her tongue is clean and extended farther than usual. She holds the crucifix in both hands. Her head is thrown way back. Without any change of expression, the Sacred Host, a small white, shining disk, the size of a quarter, becomes visible as it materializes on her tongue. The light glances off of it. Conchita does not move hands, tongue, nor body at the time the wafer appears on her tongue, nor does she move in any way before the wafer appears. The people are stunned. They cry out, "A miracle! A miracle!" Some weep openly, "O, my God! "Forgive me my sins, O God."
ALEJANDRO DAMIANS is hit on the head from behind and VOICES shout "Get down." He kneels and takes his camera from its case, looks through the lens and begins to film.
CONCHITA holds the visible Host on her extended tongue for about a minute. She then swallows it, makes the sign of the cross, kisses the crucifix in her hand, and stands up. She walks a few feet in ecstasy. Her mouth is slightly open and a light from within her throat can be seen. She turns and marches away, followed by the entire crowd, except DAMIANS, who stands and allows the crowd to pass him. He soon is alone, leaning against the wall, clinging to his camera with his remaining strength. Overcome with great emotion, he cries.
DisSOLVE TO:
INT. bishop beitia's office in santander -- dAY
BISHOP EUGENIO BEITIA ALDAZABAL, a man in his seventies, sick and almost blind, sits behind his desk. DON FRANCISCO is seated in front of him.
Don frANCISCO
Now some are claiming a miracle! They are coming to believe the girls.
Bishop beitia
Were any members of your Commission present to see this miracle?
DON FRANCISCO
No, Your Excellency, but we did send a representative.
BISHOP BEITIA
And what did he see?
DON FRANCISCO
The mob was too thick. He couldn't get close enough to see anything. But other witnesses, including a Franciscan Father, said that it was all a hoax, that Conchita put the Host on her own tongue through trickery.
BISHOP BEITIA
What has been done to stop all this?
DON FRANCISCO
We've restricted priests from saying Mass in the village. Their Pastor, who encouraged the girls, was sent on vacation. And we have requested the faithful to refrain from going there. We have done everything possible to lessen the highly charged atmosphere of excitement created by these girls, Your Excellency.
BISHOP BEITIA
Are these girls normal? What's causing this?
DON FRANCISCO
Doctors Piñal and Morales believe that Conchita is suffering from a condition of health that is conducive to ecstatic trances ... that all of this is of the natural order, and that there is no possibility of any supernatural cause.
BISHOP BEITIA
If this is all so, and Don Fernandez has done all you say he has, there is little more we can do but to reaffirm my predecessor's position. However, I want you to keep watch for any further developments that may help us resolve this matter.
EXT. approaching the pine grove -- THE nIGHT OF THE SCREAMS -- june 19, 1962
DOCTOR ORTIZ, PEPÉ DIEZ, DON VALENTÍN, ANICETA, and OTHER SPECTATORS surround LOLI and JACINTA, who are in ecstasy, as they march to the pines slowly reciting the rosary. As they arrive at the pine grove, the seers fall to their knees and oscillate, then bend over backwards completely, until their heads touch the stones on the ground. They rise up on their knees again and SUDDENLY ARE FRIGHTENED AND SCREAM WITH HORROR. They run down the steep hill backwards trying to ward off some terrible danger by holding their hands in front of them. A RED BALL OF FIRE appears in the sky with a tail and descends and vanishes.
EXT. the CALLEJA -- nIGHT
The VISIONARIES stop running. The SPECTATORS are running after them to catch up. THE CRIES OF THE GIRLS DIMINISH and the girls are less frightened.
LoLI
(crying, in a husky whisper)
Oh! Let the little children die before it comes!
JACINTA
(crying, in a husky whisper)
Let people confess their sins beforehand.
DON VALENTÍN starts to pray the Hail Mary aloud and the people eventually join him. The girls march into the village praying the rosary. The people follow, praying with them.
INT. ceferino's CAFÉ -- night
CONCHITA, JACINTA, AND LOLI are at a table with DOCTOR ORTIZ. CEFERINO is drinking hot coffee with the visitors. The café is filled with SPECTATORS, including DON VALENTÍN, MIGUEL, SERAFÍN, ANICETO, AND FIVE PRIESTS. Some are taking notes.
Don ortiz
What will this chastisement be that you saw at the pines?
JACINTA
We're not allowed to say, except that it will be sent directly by God, which makes it more fearful than anything imaginable.
LoLI
It is far worse than if we were enveloped in fire, worse than if we had fire above and below us. It'll be less terrible for little children to die a natural death than to die of the punishment.
Doctor oRTIZ
When will this punishment come?
CONCHITA
It will come only if we fail to heed her message, but if it comes, it will be after the great miracle. Just as the punishment will be very great, in keeping with what we deserve, so, too, the miracle will be extremely great in keeping with the needs of the world. I don't know how much time will pass after the miracle before God sends it.
DOCTOR ORTIZ
Will this miracle be greater than the miracle of the sun at Fatima?
CONCHITA
Oh, yes, much greater. It will leave a permanent effect at the pines until the end of the world. It will be possible to film and televise it, but not touch it. It will be recognized by science as supernatural.
DOCTOR ORTIZ
When will this take place, Conchita?
CONCHITA
I can't say until 8 days before. But it will happen between the 8th and the 16th of March, April, or May -- during an important event in the Church and on the feast day of a Martyr for the Holy Eucharist. It will be at 8:30 in the evening on a Thursday and will be visible to everybody in the village and on the surrounding mountains. The sick who are present will be cured, and unbelievers will be converted. It will be the greatest miracle that Jesus has worked for the world. There will be no doubt that it comes from God, and is for the good of mankind.
DOCTOR ORTIZ
Is this the miracle that Father Luis Andreu saw at the pines?
CONCHITA
Yes, he died from the joy of seeing it. But we will not die, because God will give us a grace to bear it. This miracle will be the proof of the tender love of God and of Our Lady for the world.
DOCTOR ORTIZ
Do you know what the light was that we saw at the pines?
LoLI
The Blessed Virgin told us that she came in that fire.
DOCTOR ORTIZ
Mari Cruz doesn't see the Blessed Virgin as often as you do. Why is this?
CoNCHITA
I don't know, except her Mamá makes her go to bed early, and she can't always join us. Maybe the Virgin will not call us if we are in bed or sleeping.
INT. kitchen of conchita's home -- nIGHT
It is raining outside. CONCHITA sits on a bench near the fireplace eating. Sitting at the kitchen table are ANICETO, SERAFÍN, AND MIGUEL. They are eating. ANICETA is preparing food. JOSÉ RAMÓN knocks on the door. Miguel answers it, and welcomes José Ramón, who has a newspaper in his hand.
JOSÉ RAMÓN
Good evening, Miguel. I am back again for a few days. Hello, Aniceta ... Serafín.
Aniceta and Conchita go towards him and give him a big hug of warm welcome.
JOSÉ RAMÓN
How have you been, Conchita? Look what I have for you.
He hands her a transistor radio, and turns it on for her. We hear MUSIC from the radio.
ConCHITA
(happily)
Oh, thank you, Father.
She begins to run the radio dial to other stations, and settles on MUSIC.
JOSÉ RAMÓN
Our new Bishop, Don Beitia, has just published another decree against the apparitions.
SERAFÍN
(taking the paper and reading)
They still claim everything can be explained naturally. Upon what do they base their conclusions? They haven't interviewed the girls, they refused to come for the miracle of the Host, and they ignore Don Valentín's witness.
JOSÉ RAMÓN
The Church must be prudent in matters like this, Serafín. I have spoken to the Bishop and he gave me permission to come to Garabandal, but he wants those of us who do so to abstain from giving any public testimony about the visions until the Church can decide these matters in an official manner.
CoNCHITA
Let's see who can guess the hour when the Virgin will come. I have received a call already.
MiGUEL
She will come at 8:30 because that is when She first appeared to you.
CONCHITA
I won't tell. You just guess, and the winner will know only when She does come.
SERAFÍN
I say at 10 P.M.
Aniceto
She will come at midnight, because She wants us to do penance for the sins committed at night.
JOSÉ RAMÓN
I think you will see Her at 8 A.M., because the Second Vatican Council is to begin at that hour in Rome.
Aniceta
Come, Father, eat and rest. Only God knows when She will come.
Aniceta pours José Ramón a cup of coffee.
DISSOLVE TO:
InT. kitchen of cONCHITA'S HOME -- DAY
The RAIN has stopped. CONCHITA is propped up in a corner sleeping. JOSÉ RAMÓN is asleep in a chair by the fireplace. MIGUEL AND SERAFÍN are playing cards at the table and trying to stay awake.
MiGUEL
We better quit. I'm going to bed. She's not coming.
SERAFÍN
One more hand, okay?
The transistor radio, which has been playing music, now changes programs. On the radio we hear the ANNOUNCER describe the actual events of the procession of the Council Fathers at the opening session of the Second Vatican Council in Rome, Italy.
CONCHITA awakens immediately and falls to her knees in the kitchen. JOSÉ RAMÓN awakens when he hears Conchita hit the floor with her knees. She is in the state of rapture.
SERAFÍN
Miguel, wake up Mamá. Hurry! Get Aniceto, also!
MIGUEL runs upstairs to awaken ANICETA and ANICETO.
CoNCHITA
(in a husky whisper)
Listen, they say it won't happen, because they don't want to believe me ... Eh, why is it so? ... Oh, listen, listen, what can I tell the people, to those who do not believe?...And you? We call you the Virgin, the Mother of God, they give You many names. When will the people be able to see You? One doesn't know when? ... Do You sometimes have snow in Heaven? Cold such as we have? ... Like when the snows fall from up there! ... Oh! Then I could say (with surprise) Hey! ... (with stupefaction) ... Here NO!
(The first three dots equal a second, the others, one.)
During this conversation, CONCHITA stands and oscillates backwards until she is lying full length on the floor with her arms a bit separated from her body, with her palms of her hands upturned. She then rises up into the air in that same position in a state of total levitation, until she is about 10 centimeters off the floor. MIGUEL, ANICETA, AND ANICETO enter down the stairs. JOSÉ RAMÓN looks around him and finds a broom, the handle of which he swings under the body of Conchita to verify for himself that she is not touching the floor. She is not. She then lowers to the floor and rises up into the standing position without any assistance of her arms or legs. José Ramón listens.
CONCHITA
(in a husky whisper)
Why did the Bishop publish that decree in the newspaper,
yesterday? ... Please stay a little longer ... you've been here only a minute. When will you return? ...
The ecstasy ends, she lowers her head, smiling, happy, and normal.
JOSÉ RAMÓN
What did the Virgin answer about the Bishop's Note?
CONCHITA
The Virgin did not answer, she only smiled.
DiSSOLVE TO:
INT. shop in garabandal -- DAY -- JANUARY, 1963
It is SNOWING outside.
JOSÉ RAMÓN ALVEREZ AND FR. LAFFINEUR are buying food. Fr. Laffineur, a Belgian priest, is about 65 and wearing an old-fashioned cassock. He is in a fighting mood. MARI CRUZ opens the door and enters. She leans against the door frame and looks at José Ramón sadly. Her face is pale and downcast. She is not herself.
Mari CRUZ
(sadly murmuring)
I did not see the Virgin. I did not see the Virgin.
JOSÉ RAMÓN approaches her.
JOSÉ RAMÓN
What's wrong, Mari Cruz?
MARI CRUZ
(in a far off manner)
No, I didn't see the Virgin.
JOSÉ RAMÓN
Why do you say this, Mari Cruz?
MARI CRUZ
(in a monotone)
No, I didn't see the Virgin.
MARI CRUZ leaves the store, repeating the same thing in a sad, monotonous rhythm
CLOSE UP -- FATHER JOSÉ RAMÓN
JOSÉ RAMÓN
We've seen a ghost. This isn't Mari Cruz who spoke to us.
CuT TO:
EXT. portICO TO THE CHURCH OF SAN SEBASTIÁN -- DAY
CLOSE UP -- JOSÉ RAMÓN. PULL BACK TO TWO SHOT -- DON VALENTÍN AND JOSÉ RAMÓN.
It is snowing.
DON VALENTÍN is closing the doors to the church and leaving.
Don VALENTÍN
Conchita also says that she hasn't seen the Virgin, but that the "calls" and the "miracle of the Host" are true. These doubts aren't serious. But they don't seem to be natural, either. It's possible that once the apparitions stopped the girls began living a life of faith and, as a result, they could have doubts about things which they were sure of by experience at one time. Mari Cruz stopped seeing the Virgin in September, last year, and Conchita just recently ceased seeing her also.
JOSÉ RAMÓN
You may be right. I remember asking Jacinta if she still believed in her visions, and she said, "Yes, while they last, but after, this is something else."
DON VALENTÍN
I can understand, especially when they have had to face denials and threats by people they love and respect.
JOSÉ RAMÓN
Yes, they've had their share of that too ... especially Mari Cruz. She bears a great cross.
Int. Ceferino's CAFÉ -- nIGHT
The café is empty, except for JULIA, CEFERINO, AND MARI LOLI, who is cleaning up the tables and kitchen. Loli appears distracted and full of anxiety. Julia notices this when she (Loli) knocks a glass to the floor.
JuLIA
(affectionately)
Mari Loli, what is wrong? You haven't been yourself these last few days.
Mari lOLI
(tearfully)
Mamá, I no longer believe that I have seen the Virgin!
CefERINO
But what about the calls, how do you explain that?
MARI LOLI
They were so, but I didn't see the Virgin.
CEFERINO looks at LOLI with interest and surprise.
CEFERINO
I don't believe this. What do you mean you haven't seen the Virgin. What about the miracle of the Host on Conchita's tongue! I'm sending for Doctor Ortiz. We'll get to the bottom of this.
DiSSOLVE TO:
InT. ceferino's CAFÉ -- nIGHT
It is snowing outside.
DOCTORS ORTIZ PEREZ, ALEJANDRO GASCA, AND FELIX GALLEGO are questioning MARI CRUZ, JACINTA, AND LOLI, who are all seated at a long table. The parents, CEFERINO, JULIA, PILÁR, MARIA, AND SIMÓN, are seated on benches and stools behind their daughters.
Doctor oRTIZ
You have told your parents that you have not seen the Virgin. Is this so?
Jacinta, loli, mari cruz
Yes, Doctor.
DOCTOR ORTIZ
Why do you say this when so many, including myself, believed that you were seeing the Virgin?
Mari lOLI
Because we didn't really see her.
Doctor gasca
Then the miracle of the Host was not true?
JacINTA
No. That was true.
Doctor gallego
But it can't be true, if you did not see the Virgin. Did you see the Virgin?
Mari
cruz, LOLI, JACINTA
No.
Doctor oRTIZ
This is getting us nowhere. It is obvious that, if they haven't seen the Virgin, then everything that has happened here can be explained by means other than the supernatural. That means that the appearance of the Host was simply a fabricated miracle by Conchita, and that the position of the Bishop and his Commission is correct. I can see no reason for proceeding with this any further. I'm sorry Señor Ceferino, but I believe we have all been an audience of the ill begotten behavior of four little girls, with Conchita playing the major part of a megalomaniac.
The DOCTORS stand and begin to leave. The PARENTS stand also. The CHILDREN, with sad faces, sit looking occasionally at one another and then at their parents.
InT. conchita's bedROOM -- DAY -- JANUARY, 1963
The SNOW has stopped. It is bright and sunny outside.
A PHOTOGRAPH of padre pio, hIS LETTER AND A ROSARY ON THE TABLE.
CONCHITA is alone, writing her diary at a small table.
Conchita's thoughts
(subjective sound)
Loli and Jacinta have now returned to reality and
believe that they saw the Blessed Virgin. To be sure, how could they not
believe it? But Mari Cruz continues to
say that she did not see the Virgin. I also doubted a bit ... whether the
miracle would take place. And one day when I was in my room, doubting if the
miracle would occur, I heard a voice that said: "Conchita, do not doubt
that my Son will perform a miracle!"
I heard it interiorly, as clearly as if through my ears, and even better
than if it had been through my ears, and even better than if it had been
through words. It left me with a peace and a joy even greater than that
experienced when I saw Her. I believe in the visions when I read Padre Pio's
letter.
(she picks up the letter)
"To the blessed children of San Sebastian de Garabandal. You are very blessed to be chosen by Jesus to make known his love and the love of His Mother for the world. I can only give you one piece of advice. . . pray and make others pray, because the world is at the threshold of its perdition. People do not believe in you or in your conversations with the White Lady, but they will believe when it is too late."
CONCHITA puts her pen down and gets up from her desk. She walks to her window and looks out at the SNOW glistening in the sun.
CUT TO:
InT. church of san SEBASTIÁN -- dAY
CONCHITA is alone in the church, kneeling before the Blessed Sacrament. She is radiant and beautiful. She is praying. We hear her prayer, but we do not hear the answers she's receiving when a locution begins during her prayer. The monologue heard by the audience is punctuated with pauses that fill in the gaps of the answers that she receives from Our Lord during the LOCUTION.
CoNCHITA
O, my Jesus, please give me a cross, for I am living without any suffering other than not having a cross.
CONCHITA is immediately made more beautiful with a great expression of joy, for now she is hearing an answer to her request for a cross. She is surprised and radiant with joy. Her prayer then continues.
ConCHITA
Why is the miracle going to take place ... to convert the world? ... Will Russia be converted? ... Will the punishment come after that? ... Why do you come to my poor, undeserving heart? After the miracle I am afraid they will say only I saw the Blessed Virgin. Isn't it better that I be joined to others in this role? Or that You give it to none of us? ... Will I go to Heaven? ... When will you give me my cross? ... Will I die soon? ... I'm worth so little. I wouldn't be of any help. When a person goes to Heaven, is he dead when he goes? ... Is Saint Peter at the gates of Heaven to receive us? ... O, yes, Jesus, I will pray much for your priests, that they may be holy and fulfill their duty, just as you request.
During the pauses, we see CONCHITA listening to a response of our Lord. At the end of her prayer, her radiance fades and the beauty of her expression disappears as she becomes normal. She bows her head, blesses herself, leaves the pew, genuflects with great devotion before the Blessed Sacrament, and leaves the church.
CUT TO:
EXT. portico TO THE CHURCH OF SAN SEBASTIÁN -- DAY
CONCHITA comes out of the church. DON VALENTÍN meets her in the portico.
CoNCHITA
Hello, Father.
Don VALENTÍN
Hi, Conchita.
CONCHITA
Father, while I was in church asking God for certain things, and thanking Him, I asked Him for a cross, and Jesus answered me.
DON VALENTÍN
Sit down, let's talk about it.
They sit on a stone bench in the portico.
Don VALENTÍN
What did Our Lord say?
CONCHITA
He said, "Yes, I will give you a cross." Then I went on asking about other things.
DON VALENTÍN
Like what?
CONCHITA
About the miracle.
DON VALENTÍN
What did He say?
CONCHITA
He said the miracle would convert the whole world. That He came not just to me, but He comes for everybody.
DON VALENTÍN
When will He give you your cross, Conchita?
CONCHITA
He wouldn't tell me.
DON VALENTÍN
What will it be?
CONCHITA
He wouldn't tell me. All He said was, "Wherever I might be, and whatever I might do, I would have much to suffer."
DON VALENTÍN
What else did Our Lord say?
CONCHITA
I asked Him if I would die soon, and He answered that I must remain on earth to help the world, and that it would be by my prayers and suffering that I would help the world. He told me that a person never dies. I thought that we didn't go to Heaven until we had risen from the dead. And He told me that Saint Peter was not at the gates to receive us. While I was praying and talking with God, I felt as though I was outside the world. And Jesus told me that now there were more people who love His Heart. Then Jesus asked me to pray for priests that they may make Him known to others who do not know Him, and loved by those who do not love Him.
DON VALENTÍN
Can you put all of this in writing for me, Conchita?
CONCHITA
Yes, Father, I think so.
DON VALENTÍN
Good, let's go into the sacristy where you can write it down before you forget.
They go into the church.
ASIDE FROM LOCUTIONS, THERE ARE NO NEW APPARITIONS FROM 1963 UNTIL JANUARY, 1965.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. pine grove, GARABANDAL, spain -- dAY -- JANUARY 1, 1965
The pine grove is covered with snow.
CONCHITA, all alone, is on her knees, her head thrown way back, tears streaming down her temples and neck. She is in a state of ecstasy. She is extremely beautiful in the mystical sense.
TWO YOUNG SHEPHERD BOYS with their SHEEP see her in ecstasy. They run back to the village to tell the people.
EXT. street of gARABANDAL -- DAY
Snow covers the ground. TWO SHEPHERD BOYS meet other villagers on the streets.
Boys
Conchita is having a vision at the pines. Conchita is seeing the Virgin again.
The VILLAGERS pass the word and are soon filling the streets and running to the pine grove.
CEFERINO heads the group. PEPÉ DIEZ follows behind.
EXT. the CALLEJA -- DAY
The calleja is covered with snow.
CONCHITA is coming down from the pine grove. She is met in the calleja by villagers who are hurrying up the calleja to see her in ecstasy. Conchita is no longer in ecstasy.
CefERINO
Conchita, have you seen the Virgin again?
CONCHITA
Yes,
Señor Mazón.
PEPÉ
DIEZ
What did She say to you?
CONCHITA
That St. Michael is going to appear to me on June 18th to give me a new message, and that God will send the world a warning before the miracle. This warning will be visible all over the world. It will be like a revelation of our sins, and it will be seen and experienced by believers and non-believers and people of any religion whatsoever. It will be like a purification for the miracle and will be sort of a catastrophe. We will prefer to be dead than to experience it. We shall see the consequences of the sins we have committed. The warning is supernatural and will not be explained by science. It will be a correction of the conscience of the world.
CeFERINO
Did She say anything else?
CONCHITA
She said that we do not think about Heaven and Hell and, if we did, our lives would be united to Christ. And that if we meditated more on the passion of Christ, we would accept our crosses with joy and for the love of God and we would be happier.
The people gather around her and hug her and kiss her and are happy that she is seeing the Virgin again.
INT. conchita's bEDROOM -- nIGHT -- JANUARY 2, 1965
CONCHITA is writing letters at a small table. On the wall is a PICTURE of PADRE PIO.
Conchita's thoughts
(subjective sound)
Dear Father Ramón Andreu, Ave Maria, 1/2/65.
Yesterday, at the pines, the Virgin told me that St. Michael will return on June 18, l965, with another message, because the first one was not heeded. The Virgin told me that your brother, Father Luis, will be found to be incorrupt the day after the miracle. He will look exactly as he was buried. She also said that there would be only two popes after Pope Paul VI -- it would be the end of the times, but not the end of the world. In Our Lord, through the Heart of Mary, Conchita.
EXT. concHITA'S HOME -- nIGHT -- june 18, 1965
The street in front of Conchita's home is jammed with spectators and pilgrims, most of whom are from other countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and the United States. The streets are laced with about 200 automobiles, one-forth of which are of Spanish make and from 1965 or earlier. Many people are holding box-type torches. Some are standing, others kneeling and saying the rosary. One group is singing hymns to Our Lady. Just outside Conchita's door are PHOTOGRAPHERS and CAMERAMEN getting ready. The SPANISH NEWSREEL COMPANY NODO AND ITALIAN TELEVISION MEN are present. They focus their lights on the door of Conchita's home. The crowd is about 800 people.
The door to Conchita's home opens and CONCHITA, who is 16 years old, appears in the doorway.
The photographers and cameramen force their way closer.
The people push in close to hand to Conchita religious objects.
LADY SPECTATOR
Conchita, have the vision kiss my wedding ring.
CoNCHITA
(laughing)
Not today. The angel doesn't kiss them.
FATHER LUNA hands her a religious card.
Father luna
Conchita, please sign this holy card.
CONCHITA
What is your name, Father?
FATHER LUNA
Father Luna.
CONCHITA
(smiling)
Shall I put Father Moon or Father Sun?
She signs the card and returns it to him. She kisses a small child held up to her. Others are trying to kiss her and asking her to relay their requests to the vision. CONCHITA is flanked by FATHER RAMÓN ANDREU AND DON VALENTÍN. Her brother SERAFÍN is standing behind her. Thirty PHOTOGRAPHERS are taking pictures.
1st newsman
Do you expect to see the Virgin?
CONCHITA
No, not the Virgin, only the angel.
2nd newsman
And what if there's no apparition?
CONCHITA
The Virgin can't tell a lie.
1st NEWSMAN
You're sure then?
CONCHITA
(smiling, calm and gay)
Of course, I'm quite sure.
3rd newsman
When will the apparition take place?
CONCHITA
A little later on. Tell everybody to keep on saying the rosary and doing penance. I'll come out in a little while.
CONCHITA withdraws into her home and the door closes. The message of Conchita is immediately given by other spectators in Spanish, French, and German.
INT. home of conchita -- nIGHT
ANICETA is helping CONCHITA put on her short jacket.
AnicETA
Now, keep that buttoned, or your cold will get worse instead of better.
CONCHITA is calm, but full of joy. TWO POLICEMEN of the CIVIL GUARD are waiting inside the door to escort Conchita. FATHER RAMÓN AND DON VALENTÍN, with a group of FIVE PRIESTS, are also waiting at the door for Conchita to leave.
CONCHITA looks at her watch. MIGUEL, SERAFÍN, AND ANICETO are with her.
Father RAMÓN
With so many foreigners arriving, you'll have to study languages to understand everybody.
CONCHITA
On the contrary, if I don't know the languages, it saves me answering things that I shouldn't or that I don't understand.
EXT. conCHITA'S HOME -- nIGHT
SERAFÍN AND ANICETO exit home and walk toward the calleja. When the people and the Bishop's Commission, DON FRANCISCO, DON GARCIA, DOCTORS MORALES, AND PIÑAL, see this, they begin to follow, realizing that the apparition is about to happen. Many of the people carry torches.
EXT. the cALLEJA -- nIGHT
THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE pack the calleja. Hundreds of torches provide light. Some are in the lane, other spectators are climbing and sitting on the banks on top of the stone walls of the calleja. CAMERAMEN and PHOTOGRAPHERS are scattered about the area. A rosary is being said by a large group of men and women of different languages.
VoicES IN THE CROWD
Look! Look up into the sky!
Everyone looks up into the sky and silence prevails as we hear it broken with "AHHHHS" of awestruck people.
A GOLDEN STAR, brighter than others, appears from the Northwest and traces a large circle in the sky and returns to its point of origin. Then, another SMALLER STAR appears over Conchita's home, moving slowly in the sky over the pines, and suddenly disappears. The people comment on these things.
INT. conchiTA'S HOME -- nIGHT
CONCHITA, FATHER RAMÓN, DON VALENTÍN, ANICETA, MIGUEL, AND TWO POLICEMEN wait near the door.
CONCHITA
It's 11:30. Let's go the calleja.
They all leave the house.
ExT. conCHITA'S HOME -- nIGHT
The night is clear. The sky is filled with innumerable bright stars.
CONCHITA is escorted from her home through the CROWD. The TWO POLICEMEN from the house are joined by SIX POLICEMEN waiting outside the home. They clear the way for Conchita to pass through the dense crowd to the calleja. Conchita's entourage is FATHER RAMÓN, FATHER VALENTÍN, MIGUEL, ANICETA, AND FIVE PRIESTS. They follow in her wake.
EXT. base of the calleja -- nIGHT
CONCHITA starts to run, leaving her ESCORT and ENTOURAGE behind. Conchita, with head thrown back and arms extended, straight out from her sides in a horizontal position, runs so fast through the village that no one is able to keep up with her. There are many people standing around her. The people are standing by the sides of the roads watching her. She falls to the ground on top of a LARGE STONE; she remains in this position with an angelic expression.
CONCHITA
A little bit more!
Conchita gets up and starts moving again; SHE RUNS ON AIR. She doesn't touch the ground with her feet for about ten meters. She appears about ten inches off the ground. Some witnesses point, when they see this, and one faints.
The CROWD, excited on seeing Conchita come, opens up to let her through. People are pushing and falling over one another as she reaches the precise spot where both St. Michael and the Virgin had appeared to her the first time. The BISHOP'S COMMISSION is also nearby.
When Conchita reaches the cuadro, she falls to her knees in ecstasy. Her head is thrown way back. She holds a three-by-four-inch crucifix in one hand, with which she blesses herself with great devotion and majesty.
EXT. the cuADRO -- niGHT
CONCHITA in the state of ecstasy. NEWSMEN press in with their microphones from tape recorders. They put the microphones close to Conchita's mouth. PHOTOGRAPHERS and CAMERAMEN focus bright lights into her face, taking pictures. Her eyes are wide open, unblinking, receiving the full glare of the lights. Her face is transfigured, resplendent with interior light, and an angelic smile. Her pupils are dilated.
Without turning her head, she reaches out and puts the CRUCIFIX towards the vision, and then to the lips of a man standing in back of her. She repeats this with two other men on her right side in back of her. Her reach over her own shoulder (in such a manner that is impossible because of the angle and distance between her to the men she touches) amazes DOCTOR ORTIZ, who is next to her. DOCTOR ORTIZ and DOCTOR GASCA try to lift Conchita off the ground, but are unable to do so. Next, they take her pulse and listen to her heartbeat.
A TEAR falls slowly on Conchita's temple and leaves its crystal trail. A COSMIC PHENOMENON OCCURS: A STAR SILENTLY GLIDES OVER THE VILLAGE.
CONCHITA
(in a husky whisper)
Give them the graces they came for. Yes, yes, I will tell him. Oh ... I will no longer speak about the miracle, since I know everything, eh? I have such a longing for the day to arrive to be able to tell
it ... they want to know the
day ... listen ....
There is a long pause. Suddenly, she rises to her feet, takes a few steps, and then smashes down on her knees again onto the sharp stones in the lane. A grinding crunch is heard, like the SOUND of two stones being struck together. She proceeds to make the sign of the cross in the customary, deliberate manner, lowers her head, smiling, and she is once again normal. She covers her eyes with her hands to protect them from the glare of the spotlights.
The CIVIL GUARD force a path through the DENSE CROWD as CONCHITA retraces her way down the calleja to her home. People push, shove, and fall over one another, following Conchita down the calleja.
EXT. conCHITA'S HOME -- nIGHT
CONCHITA, led by the CIVIL GUARD through the DENSE CROWD, pushes into her house.
INT. coNCHITA'S HOME -- nIGHT
CONCHITA is safely in her home. The door is closed at her entrance. FATHER RAMÓN, FATHER MARCELINO ANDREU, MIGUEL, SERAFÍN, ANICETO, ANICETA, AND DON VALENTÍN also are present.
CoNCHITA
The angel gave me a message for the world.
Father RAMÓN
Can you say what it is?
CONCHITA
No, not now.
Father VALENTÍN
Is it good or bad?
CONCHITA
What comes from God is always good.
FATHER VALENTÍN
I mean, is it pleasant or unpleasant?
CONCHITA shrugs her shoulders.
Father VALENTÍN
Can't you tell us now?
CONCHITA
He told me to give it in writing.
Father RAMÓN ANDREU
Will we know what it is tomorrow?
CONCHITA
Yes, your brother, Father Marcelino, can announce it for me.
EXT. DOORWAY OF CONCHITA'S HOME -- DAY -- THE SECOND MESSAGE -- JUNE 19, 1965
CROWDS of people (7,000 in number) stand attentively listening to the message. PHOTOGRAPHERS and CAMERAMEN are taking pictures. NEWSMEN are taking notes. FATHER MARCELINO reads the message from Conchita's doorway. The BISHOP'S COMMISSION MEMBERS all stand by listening. Conchita is 16 years old.
Father marcelino
Here is the message given by the Virgin through St. Michael, the Archangel, to Conchita. It reads as follows:
"As my message of October 18, 1961, has not been complied with and has not been made known to the world, I am advising you that this is the last one. Before, the cup was filling up. Now it is flowing over. Many cardinals, many bishops, and many priests are on the road to perdition and are dragging many souls with them.
"Less and less importance is being given to the Eucharist. You should turn the wrath of God away from yourselves by your efforts.
"If you ask Him forgiveness with sincere hearts, He will pardon you.
"I, your Mother, through the intercession of St. Michael, the Archangel, ask you to amend your lives. You are now receiving the last warnings. I love you very much, and do not want your condemnation. Pray to Us with sincerity and We will grant your requests. You should make more sacrifices. Think about the passion of Jesus."
The PEOPLE begin crying "The punishment is going to come!" "The punishment will come!"
DISSOLVE TO:
InT. bishop beitia'S OFFICE IN SANTANDER -- DAY -- JULY 8, 1965
The BISHOP'S COMMISSION is seated in front of the Bishop's desk. BISHOP BEITIA ALDAZABAL is seated behind his desk.
Don gaRCIA
It concerns us!
Don franCISCO
It concerns all the priests! The language couldn't be any clearer. This kind of message is food for the opponents of the Catholic hierarchy ... they can take advantage of the message to attack our clergy. We had hopes that the recent decrees of Don Fernandez would have put a stop to the pilgrims and priests going there. This final message has caused everyone to believe again. I tried to persuade Conchita to discourage people from coming to Garabandal so as to avoid promoting a dangerous environment.
Bishop beITIA
(interrupting)
I find nothing deserving condemnatory ecclesiastical censorship in the message ... for it appears to be an exhortation to prayer, sacrifice, devotion to the Holy Eucharist, veneration of Our Blessed Virgin, and the holy fear of God offended by our sins. And, recently, the Holy Office has contacted us to obtain information on Garabandal.
DON FRANCISCO
But, Mari Cruz denies seeing the Virgin.
BISHOP BEITIA
And have the other girls denied Her?
DON FRANCISCO
Yes, but they contradict themselves in their own denials. Doctor Morales explains it as a case of vulgar hysteria.
BISHOP BEITIA
(Countenance showing this to be one man's opinion)
And what of Don Valentín?
DON FRANCISCO
He still believes.
BISHOP BEITIA
Let's put in a provisional parish priest in Garabandal again. And I shall issue another decree on our position. Yet, the case can't be closed until the warning and miracle do or don't occur. All the Church can do is wait, unless you can prove the girls have fabricated this entire thing from beginning to end. In the meantime, we can simply enforce our restrictions on the religious and the clergy visiting Garabandal. ... Is that all, Don Francisco?
DON FRANCISCO
Yes, Your Excellency.
BISHOP BEITIA
Except for one thing. I would like to see this Mari Cruz you mentioned. Bring her to me, Don Francisco.
DON FRANCISCO
Yes, Your Excellency.
ExT. home of mari cruz in garabandal -- DAY
JACINTA AND MARI CRUZ are walking away from the home of Mari Cruz.
JacINTA
What did you dare to do before the Bishop?
Mari CRUZ
I'm firm and unshakable. If you were, too, you would imitate me. Firm and unshakable, I remain! Yes!
JACINTA
Is it true you pretended an ecstasy and that you denied at the same time having seen the Virgin? How is it possible?
MARI CRUZ
Yes, I showed the Bishop how I pretended an ecstasy.
JACINTA
When you lied in saying that you had seen the Virgin, you went to communion every day. Now that you deny having seen the Virgin, you pretend to be telling the truth, but you no longer go to communion. Why, Mari Cruz?
MARI CRUZ
It's all the same to me, Jacinta. Do you believe that you are better than I am today?
JACINTA
No, no, on the contrary. By putting things at their best, I'm worse than you are.
MARI CRUZ shows signs of nervousness.
JacINTA
Why are you getting so nervous?
MARI CRUZ
Because you believe you alone have seen the Virgin, because you think that I did not see her ... because I get angry when things are said which are not true ... All that is due to the atmosphere in the village. Yes, Father Francisco Odriozola explained it to me in Santander. It's the atmosphere of the village which is the cause
of ...
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. the cALLEJA -- nIGHT -- NOVEMBER 13, 1965
CONCHITA, alone, is running up the calleja to the pine grove. On her way she unwraps a piece of gum and puts it into her mouth. She has many rosaries around her neck, and her pockets are filled with religious objects: holy cards, medals, and a crucifix. Her hand holds a missal.
EXT. the pine grove -- nIGHT
CONCHITA reaches the pine grove and suddenly falls into the state of ecstasy. Her head is thrown way back as she looks up at her vision. There is a flash of LIGHTNING and SOUND of ROLLING THUNDER, followed by a loud CRACK OF THUNDER. It begins to RAIN. Conchita stops chewing her gum by putting it behind a tooth. She blesses herself. Rain is falling everywhere, but she remains dry, as if shielded by an invisible force.
CoNCHITA
(in a husky whisper)
I have come, my Mother Mary, and I brought all the things for You to kiss as You requested ... How beautiful the Infant Jesus looks ... He hasn't grown a bit; He is exactly as He was before ... where was He? ... left in Heaven? Or left in a crib? Where was He? ... Hey! ... (with surprise in her voice) Oh! But You can't be here and there at the same time. Oh, I'm so happy! I've longed so much to see You again ... it's been so long. Jacinta and Loli are in boarding school now in Zaragoza.
CONCHITA, ashamed, takes the chewing gum out of her mouth and throws it to the ground.
ConCHITA
Yes, I will ... I will offer it up as a sacrifice for the glory of Your Son. ... How unworthy I am, Our Mother, of so many graces received through You and, even so, You have come to me today to lighten the little cross which I now bear. ... Yes, yes ... You have come for all your children ... Yes, yes ...
CONCHITA raises a crucifix to the Virgin to kiss. She then puts it into the hands of the Infant Jesus.
ConCHITA
I'll take the crucifix to the convent with me.
She puts the crucifix into her pocket and holds out the missal and extends it to the Virgin to kiss. Each page of the missal is flipped over, as if blown by a wind, in her hand. She puts the missal in her pocket.
ConCHITA
When will I be able to enter the convent, because they would be willing to admit me now, but my mother will not let me go yet? ... Listen, listen to what certain people say, that they will not want to have me there ... I will, won't I? Yes? ...
CONCHITA takes the rosaries and medals from her neck and extends them upward toward the vision.
ConCHITA
Your Son will work prodigies through the kiss You have bestowed upon these rosaries and medals ... Yes, yes, I will give them to everyone! ... But, how can all Your children fit beneath Your mantle, it is so very small, we can't all get under it?
CONCHITA'S eyes fill with tears, which stream down her temple and her neck.
CONCHITA
I won't see You here again. Yes, yes, I will visit your Son in the tabernacles, day and night, yes, yes, I will. ... How happy I am when I see You. Why do You not take me with You now?
Oh, yes, my hands are empty of good works, yes, I see ... You're leaving already? Wait a little while longer. Oh! Wait!
She blesses herself and is suddenly normal again. Her head lowers; silently tears stream from her eyes as the rain begins to soak her clothes and body thoroughly. She gets to her feet and begins a slow trek down the calleja towards her home. LIGHTNING FLASHES and the SOUND of THUNDER CRACKS. CONCHITA shows a new determination on her face.
INT. home of conchita -- dAY -- JANUARY, 1966
ANICETA answers the knock at her door. CONCHITA is sitting at the kitchen table writing letters.
AniCETA
Hello, Father, come in, please.
Father olano
Good afternoon, Señora Gonzales. I have a letter here from the Vatican ... from Cardinal Ottaviani, which concerns Conchita.
CONCHITA'S attention is now focused on FATHER OLANO.
ANICETA
Yes, Father, what is it?
FATHER OLANO
He wants Conchita to come to Rome to meet with the Sacred Congregation in Defense of the Faith, and to visit with the Holy Father, Pope Paul VI.
CONCHITA
Oh, Mamá, can I go? I want to go!
AnICETA
Yes, yes. You can go.
CONCHITA
When, Mamá? When can we go?
ANICETA
As soon as arrangements can be made.
CONCHITA
Can I enter the convent afterwards?
ANICETA
You know that the Mother Superior there doesn't believe in your visions.
CONCHITA
It's better that way, then I shall not be favored in any way. Can I enter after Rome?
ANICETA
I've been listening to this desire of yours since you were five years old ... Yes, you can enter, but first we must visit the Holy Father, and after that Padre Pio, too.
CONCHITA
(elated)
Oh, thank you, Mamá. Oh, thank you. (She kisses her mother.)
CONCHITA goes to her table and starts a letter.
DiSSOLVE TO:
EXT. st. peter's square, rome -- dAY -- january 4, 1966
ESTABLISHMENT SHOT -- CONCHITA AND ANICETA being escorted by a priest into the office of the Sacred Congregation in Defense of the Faith.
INT. office of the sacred congregation in defense of the faith -- vatican -- dAY
CARDINAL OTTAVIANI and his ATTENDANT advance towards the door as ANICETA and CONCHITA are escorted by a priest into Ottavani's office.
Cardinal ottaviani
Good morning Señora and Señorita Gonzalez.
AniCETA
Good morning, Your Eminence.
CARDINAL OTTAVIANI
Please sit here. Would you like something to drink? Coffee?
They sit.
ANICETA
Yes, please. Thank you.
CARDINAL OTTAVIANI gestures to the ATTENDANT to bring coffee to his guests. The attendant exits and leaves the door slightly ajar.
CARDINAL OTTAVIANI
Now, I have heard so many wonderful things that have been happening in Garabandal. Can you tell me about the Virgin they say you see, Conchita?
ConCHITA
Yes. Your Eminence, few believe, but four of us have seen her many times, but mostly during 1961.
InT. hall outside THE office of THE sacred congregation in defense of the faith -- dAY
POPE PAUL walks by the slightly open door and peers in. We see CONCHITA and the CARDINAL from Pope Paul's P.O.V.
InT. office of the sacred congregation in defense of the faith -- daY
LONG SHOT POPE PAUL'S VIEWPOINT. CONCHITA is speaking to CARDINAL OTTAVIANI, ANICETA, and the escort, a PRIEST. They look up and see Pope Paul, who enters. The Cardinal and his guests all stand.
Cardinal
Good morning, Your Holiness.
Pope paul
(smiling)
Please, please, be seated.
DisSOLVE TO:
INT. private audience chamber of pope paul -- daY
The HOLY FATHER is being carried out on his throne by PAPAL GUARDS. The Chamber is filled on both sides with about 1,000 PEOPLE. As he is carried forward he blesses the people, who applaud him as he passes by, and some reach out to touch him. Others are taking photographs.
InT. hall OUTSIDE of THE audience chambers of pope paul -- daY
Group shot of CONCHITA, ANICETA, their PRIEST escort, and a small group of OTHER PEOPLE waiting for the Holy Father to pass by. The HOLY FATHER is being carried forward, and as he approaches Conchita, he sees her and others. The GUARDS stop momentarily.
PopE PAUL
I bless you, Conchita, and with me, the whole Church blesses you.
DISSOLVE TO:
ext. our lady of grace monastery foggia, italy - day
ESTABLISHMENT SHOT - CONCHITA AND ANICETA arrive in a taxi. They are escorted by a priest.
INT. PADRE PIO'S CELL IN THE MONASTERY OF OUR LADY OF GRACE, FOGGIA, ITALY - DAY
CONCHITA and ANICETA enter the cell of Padre Pio.
PADRE PIO looks at Conchita with a large smile.
He then reaches out and gives her an embrace and kiss on the cheek.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. outside the confessional in the convent of the discalced carmelite
nuns in pamplona -- dAY -- FEBRUARY 7, 1966
CONCHITA, dressed in the black uniform of the "adolescent" of the convent, enters into the confessional.
INT. inside the confessional -- dAY
CONCHITA kneels down. The PRIEST opens the partition to hear her confession. She blesses herself.
CONCHITA
Bless me Father, for I have
sinned ... I've had some doubts, Father ...
Father emiliano
Yes, child, what kind of doubts?
CONCHITA
First, I must tell you what led to them ...
FATHER EMILIANO
Yes, go on ...
CONCHITA
After communion, when I was making my thanksgiving, I heard Christ tell me that I was in the convent because of my will and not His. He said that He chose me in the world so that I would remain in it, experiencing much suffering because of Him. He wanted this for my sanctification so that I could offer up my suffering for the salvation of the world. He said that before the miracle occurs, I will suffer much, because few people will believe me. My own family will believe that I have deceived them, and that the remainder of my life will be a continual suffering. He said he wanted this so that the world may comply with the message and that, through this suffering, I would find Him and Mary, whom I love so very much. He said, "Do not worry yourself with whether people believe or do not believe." He said that He would do everything, and that He is with whoever suffers for Him. After this locution with Jesus, I knew that I would never receive the habit of the Discalced Carmelite. Then I began to have doubts about the Real Presence in the Holy Eucharist, and doubts about the apparitions.
FATHER EMILIANO
I shall give you conditional absolution, that is, when you go back home for Easter vacation, I want you to tell the parish priest and all those in the village that you have not seen the Virgin, that you have deceived them. If you do this, your sins are forgiven you. Do you understand, my child?
CONCHITA
Yes, Father.
FATHER EMILIANO
Now is there anything else?
CONCHITA
No, Father, for these and all my other sins, which I cannot at present remember, I am heartily sorry.
FATHER EMILIANO
For your penance, say ten Hail Marys and five Our Fathers.
May almighty God have mercy upon you, forgive you all your sins, and bring you to life everlasting. Amen.
May the almighty and merciful Lord grant you pardon, absolution, and remission of all your sins. Amen
Dominus noster Jesus Christus te absolvat...
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. sacristy of san SEBASTIÁN de garabandal -- dAY
CONCHITA, MARI LOLI, AND MARI CRUZ are standing in front of FATHER OLANO.
CONCHITA
Loli doesn't believe she saw the Virgin anymore.
Father OLANO
And you, Conchita?
CONCHITA
Inside me, I don't doubt, but here (pointing a finger to her forehead) I also have doubts, and my Confessor at the college wants me to tell you and those who believe in the visions that I have lied to them.
FATHER OLANO
Yes, Conchita, he is right.
CONCHITA
We also wish to tell the Bishop, Father.
FATHER OLANO
Good ... I've always believed these visions were caused by your imagination. I will inform our newly appointed Bishop of your denials, and make arrangements for you to visit His Excellency to sign your recantations.
InT. reception room of the angelical college of the discalced carmelite convent in pamplona, spain -- dAY -- august 30, 1966
CONCHITA, a 17-year-old "adolescent" of the angelical college, dressed in a black habit, and wearing a crucifix ring on her right hand, is seated at the end of a long table. The BISHOP OF SANTANDER, VICENTE PUCHOL MONTIZ, a man in his fifties, is standing before her at the other end of the table. Seated to the right of the Bishop is the VICAR GENERAL, a priest in his forties, and the Bishop's SECRETARY, a 75-year-old priest. On the Bishop's left is FATHER OLANO, a 25-year-old priest recently assigned to replace Don Valentín as Pastor of Garabandal, and FATHER EMILIANO, a 35-year-old priest of Pamplona. The MOTHER SUPERIOR of the convent is seated next to Fr. Emiliano and closest to Conchita. She is in her fifties. Conchita is 17 years old.
Bishop puchol
So, you want to become an African missionary?
CONCHITA
(tears fill her eyes)
Yes, Your Excellency.
BISHOP PUCHOL
Why have you chosen Africa?
CONCHITA
I'm fond of black people, Your Excellency.
BISHOP PUCHOL
What if the Mother House decided to deny you this desire, and made you remain here in seclusion in Spain?
CONCHITA
Then, that would be the will of God.
BISHOP PUCHOL
But you would not be happy.
CONCHITA
I've been told by the Virgin that I'll not be happy on earth, but only in Heaven.
BISHOP PUCHOL
(exasperated)
But you have just denied that you have seen the Virgin. Have you seen the Virgin?
CONCHITA
Your Excellency, I don't remember now having seen the Virgin, but when I wrote my diary, I thought that I had seen her.
BISHOP PUCHOL
And the miracle of the visible Host, is that true, or did you play some trick on the people?
CONCHITA
I've played no trick on the people when they saw the Host on my tongue. What a responsibility it would have been for me towards God. Don't you think I've a conscience?
BISHOP PUCHOL
The people believe you and your companions have deceived them. Even your parents do not believe. Your visions, voices, and messages have been nothing but simple childrens' dreams and games. Your own denials prove this. You have brought much embarrassment and grief to the Church. It is no longer Spain, but the entire world knows of your escapades.
CONCHITA
(tears roll down her cheeks)
I'm sorry, Your Excellency, for I no longer believe that I've seen the Virgin, but Her message is true and the great miracle will happen.
BISHOP PUCHOL
You must promise not to speak to anyone again about these apparitions, these so called "visions", voices, and messages. Speak no more about the miracle to happen, or of any of your experiences related to these matters. Do you understand?
CONCHITA
Yes, Your Excellency.
The BISHOP regains some emotional control and walks towards CONCHITA. She nervously handles the crucifix ring. The Bishop notices the ring.
BISHOP PUCHOL
(pointing to the ring)
And that ring, Conchita?
CONCHITA
The Virgin kissed it, Your Excellency.
BISHOP PUCHOL
Give it to me.
CONCHITA
(with a little maliciousness)
But why? I haven't seen her.
BISHOP PUCHOL
I'll kiss it anyway, who knows!
CONCHITA reluctantly removes the ring and the BISHOP takes it in his hand and kisses it.
INT. a small groCer's shop in garabandal -- nIGHT
SOUND of pounding on the door. FATHER OLANO wakes and listens. The SOUND continues. He gets up and comes down a flight of stairs in his pajamas holding a box-type flashlight in his hand.
Father OLANO
All right, I'm coming
He opens the door. FATHER EMILIANO steps inside.
Father eMILIANO
You're wanted in Santander right now.
FATHER OLANO
Why, what's the problem?
FATHER EMILIANO
Save the questions until later; let's go.
FATHER OLANO
Okay. I'll be right down.
FATHER OLANO ascends the flight of stairs.
EXT. small grocer's shop in garabandal -- nIGHT
FATHER OLANO buttons his jacket. Both he and FATHER EMILIANO get onto their motor bicycles and drive away, down the narrow, rocky road to Cosío.
EXT. jacinta'S HOME -- DAY
JACINTA, a 17-year-old girl, and her mother MARIA, get into a car from the Bishopric. FATHER EMILIANO is driving. Also inside the car is FATHER OLANO. All have serious expressions. The car door is quickly closed, and it speeds away towards Cosío. VILLAGERS in the streets watch as the car leaves a trail of dust behind.
EXT. bisHOPRIC OF SANTANDER -- DAY
The car of the Bishopric containing JACINTA, FATHER EMILIANO, FATHER OLANO, AND MARIA stops in front of the Bishopric. All emerge from the car and approach the large doors of the Bishop's palace.
INT. the bishopric of santander -- dAY
BISHOP PUCHOL is sitting behind a large desk. To his right sit FATHER JOSÉ OLANO, FATHER EMILIANO, AND THE VICAR GENERAL. To his left sits the SECRETARY TO THE BISHOP. Seated directly in front of the Bishop are JACINTA AND MARIA. On top of the Bishop's desk are some papers, pens, note pads, and ink. In back of the Bishop is a large picture of the Sorrowful Virgin. On the desk also is a calendar. There is a small bronze crucifix with the corpus of Christ on the desk. The child and her parent appear frightened and nervous. The priests are stern and serious.
Bishop pUCHOL
The Commission has long ago reported its findings. Nothing new has occurred to lend any credibility to your claims. The so called "visions" of the Virgin have all along been the result of your own deceptions and imaginations. Conchita has denied these apparitions, and Mari Cruz has not only denied them but has shown us how she feigned the ecstasies, which have led so many gullible and simple souls to believe in them. We find nothing supernatural as to their origin or their results. All the ecstasies have arisen from your own psychic and pathological character. As a result, it's our conviction that no apparitions have taken place in Garabandal. Therefore, I'm requesting that you sign these statements acknowledging that you did not see the Virgin. Also, you must refrain from any future actions that may lead people to believe otherwise. You must remain silent, allow no photographs, give no autographs, and sign no statements affirming your involvement in these things. And you must not go to the cuadro or to the pines. (pauses ... in softer tones) Señor Gonzalez, in seeing that your child obeys these directives, we have agreed to put her in a boarding school of your own choice outside of the village. We'll pay all of her expenses, of course. Should actions contrary to our recommendations occur, the appropriate canonical sanctions will be taken against you, and those of the village, who in any way encourage belief in the false claims of the girls.
The BISHOP nods his head in the direction of HIS SECRETARY, who in turn provides JACINTA with her recantation statement.
Bishop pUCHOL
We deeply regret all the suffering and anxiety that you've undergone, but I'm sure that the world will soon forget these unhappy events. Señorita Jacinta, please sign your recantation.
JACINTA takes a pen and signs her name.
Bishop puCHOL
And Señora Gonzalez.
MARIA doesn't sign.
JaCINTA
You sign too, Mamá.
Maria
Yes, I'll sign if you can fall into rapture here and now.
JACINTA
But Mamá, you know that's impossible.
MARIA
Then I'm not signing.
InT. reception room of the college of the discalced carmelite missionaries, pamplona, spain -- dAY -- august, 1966
ANICETA AND SERAFÍN are waiting in the reception room. The MOTHER SUPERIOR enters the room, smiling. Aniceta is angry.
ANICETA
(standing)
Good morning, Reverend Mother.
Mother superior
Good morning, Señora Gonzales. And what occasions this unexpected visit?
ANICETA
I've just received a letter from my daughter, Conchita, who says that she was interrogated here for seven hours by Bishop Puchol.
MOTHER SUPERIOR
I'm sorry, Señora Gonzalez. It was most regrettable, but I was unable to ...
ANICETA
Reverend Mother, did I not forbid all visits to Conchita without my formal authorization?
MOTHER SUPERIOR
Could I oppose a Bishop?
ANICETA
You have betrayed the promise you gave me. Go get Conchita. I shall take my daughter home at once.
EXT. front of the college of the discalced carmelite nuns -- dAY
CONCHITA, SERAFÍN, AND ANICETA, after putting suitcases into the car's trunk, get into their taxi and drive away.
EXT. open road in mountainous country -- dAY
LONG SHOT -- TAXI, carrying CONCHITA, SERAFÍN, AND ANICETA, speeding along the road.
Int. Of cab carrying conchita, SERAFÍN, and aniceta
MOVE INTO A CLOSE SHOT OF CONCHITA.
INT. BISHOPRIC'S CAR -- DAY
CLOSE SHOT -- CONCHITA
PULL BACK TO LONG SHOT OF:
EXT. THE BISHOPRIC OF SANTANDER -- DAY
The Bishopric's car arrives at the Bishop's Palace. The Bishopric is swarming with NEWSMEN, PHOTOGRAPHERS, REPORTERS, and SPECTATORS.
CONCHITA, ANICETA, AND DOÑA SERAFINA GOMEZ emerge from the car. The newsmen and photographers move in upon them for comments and pictures. FATHER JOSÉ OLANO clears the way and escorts them into the Bishopric.
CONCHITA
(to Doña Gomez)
I'll tell the Bishop the date of the great miracle. Then he'll believe me.
INT. office of the bishop -- dAY
The BISHOP is behind his desk. Beside him are sitting his SECRETARY, THE VICAR GENERAL, DR. MORALES, AND DON MARTINEZ, an attorney. CONCHITA AND ANICETA stand before the Bishop.
Bishop pUCHOL
Please sit down Señora and Señorita Gonzalez.
They sit.
AnICETA
Thank you, Your Excellency.
BISHOP PUCHOL
Señora Gonzalez, the world-wide notoriety of the so-called apparitions of the Virgin at Garabandal has imposed it upon the Church to make an authoritative statement to this undue publicity, and to close the matter once and for all. Your understanding and cooperation will help us put an end to all the inquiries, speculations, and confusion surrounding Garabandal. Thus, we hope that you'll both sign statements that are the result of the study of the Commission, but also of our most recent visit with Conchita in the convent.
ANICETA
What are these statements, Your Excellency?
The BISHOPS' SECRETARY provides CONCHITA and ANICETA with copies of their recantations.
BISHOP PUCHOL
They are recantations. Simple denials that you, Conchita, have already expressed ... that you did not see the Virgin. And there're some promises attached ... that you'll refrain from going to the cuadro and to the pines, and will not speak of your "visions" to visitors, or to others in the village, and that you reaffirm your obedience to your Holy Mother, the Church.
ANICETA
But why?
BISHOP PUCHOL
I've invited Dr. Morales here to explain to you the reasons for our position.
Doctor morales
Señora Gonzalez, it's not uncommon that young children, who are raised in a religious atmosphere, develop strong desires and longings to see the Virgin Mary. As a result, eventually their imaginations play tricks on them. They claim to see things they don't really see. Once this gains any momentum in the minds of others, then collective hallucinations result. And as the deceit becomes more universal, then there's even the possibility of diabolical intervention. The Devil performs many tricks in this non-believing world to deny his own existence, for not to deny his existence would be to affirm the supernatural. Thus, he stands in the shadows directing to his own ends illusions, neuroses, deceits, and human emotions and, yes, even stupidity.
AnICETA
But the ecstasies. ...
Bishop puCHOL
Mari Cruz demonstrated to us how she simulated the ecstasies and has also denied that she has seen the Virgin. Both Jacinta and Mari Loli also have signed their recantations. You remain, Conchita.
The Bishop's Secretary hands to Conchita a pen. Conchita hesitates to sign her name to the papers.
Bishop pUCHOL
It's simply a statement that you did not see the Virgin, and that all of those ... were of the natural order.
CoNCHITA
But the great miracle ... it will happen on the ... (she fails to remember the date). It will be ... Oh! It will ...
Bishop pUCHOL
Conchita, please sign.
ConCHITA
(tears in her eyes)
But, Your Excellency, the
miracle ...
There is a moment of silence between them. Conchita then signs the recantations.
FLASH BACK to earlier in Part 1 where CONCHITA, in ecstasy, says in a husky whisper, "But how can we say that we didn't see you, since we are seeing you at this very moment?
End of flashback.
InT. office of the biSHOP -- DAY
Bishop pUCHOL
Señora, please sign also.
AnICETA
I saw what I saw. I'm not signing.
Bishop pUCHOL
Conchita's signature is sufficient, since she's the one that started this whole affair.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. the bishopric of santander -- dAY
ANICETA, CONCHITA, AND DOÑA GOMEZ get into the Bishopric's car after forcing their way through reporters, photographers, and other spectators. A PRIEST drives the car. It speeds away back to Garabandal.
INT. car of the bishopric -- dAY
GROUP SHOT. CONCHITA, DOÑA GOMEZ, AND ANICETA are in the back seat. A PRIEST is driving in the direction of Garabandal.
DOÑA gomez
Conchita, the date of the miracle. You said you were going to tell the Bishop.
CONCHITA
I couldn't remember it when I wanted to.
DOÑA GOMEZ
And now?
CONCHITA
Yes, I remember now.
DOÑA GOMEZ
Shall we go back?
CONCHITA
No. The Virgin knows the reason why She is doing things this way.
DOÑA GOMEZ
But since you didn't see the Virgin tell us the date, it's not important anymore.
CONCHITA
The Virgin said that the warning and the miracle will happen when the Church appears finished --
DOÑA GOMEZ
But the date, Conchita?
MOVE INTO CLOSE UP -- CONCHITA
CONCHITA
No. Only eight days before the miracle. The Virgin made me promise.
Cut TO:
INT. CELL OF FATHER RODRIGO. FATHER RODRIGO is thin, tall, 70 years of age, with long, thin hands, ascetic, smiling. A Jesuit scholar at his desk. No luxury. Well over one hundred books in plain view on bookshelves. THREE middle-aged PRIESTS enter the cell.
FIRST PRIEST
Father Rodrigo, we have been up to Garabandal. One of the visionaries told us that they see the Virgin as Our Lady of Mount Carmel. We have been discussing the matter between us. We all think that it
is anachronistic to give titles to Our Lady and a hindrance on the road to ecumenism. Besides, wearing a scapular smacks of superstition.
FATHER RODRIGO
We should not despise the humble objects such as a scapular. Our Protestant Christians can read in the New Testament that people were cured by handkerchiefs which had touched Saint Paul.
SECOND PRIEST
Is that so Important?
FATHER RODRIGO
We must respect the psychology and the religious attitude of the faithful. Besides, there is far more to it. Mount Carmel obviously leads us to think of the tremendous war being waged between the one true God and the false gods of our day, between the one true prophet, and the 400-plus demonic ones. This is relevant. This war is going on today. You know it as well as I do, and perhaps better.
Third priest
It is Jesus who is appealing to some young people, not Elijah, the prophet of old.
Father RodRIGO
It is impossible for a follower of Jesus to do away with Elijah, often mentioned in the Gospel. And the Jews read in the last verses of their Bible that he is to come "before the great and dreadful day of the Lord." Don't you feel that humanity has come to a crossroads, where radical choices are to be made, the worship of God or that of man, the expectation of a great Coming, or the establishment into complete secularism?
Cut to:
INT. hall of the bishopric, santander -- DAY -- march 17, 1967
MED. LONG GROUP SHOT. NEWSMEN, CAMERA AND TELEVISION MEN surround BISHOP PUCHOL and the BISHOP'S SECRETARY.
REPORTERS
Your Excellency, did Conchita see the Virgin? Are the apparitions real, Your Excellency? Can you tell us what Conchita said? Did she deny seeing the Virgin?
MEDIUM SHOT. BISHOP PUCHOL
Bishop puCHOL
(raising his hand to quiet them)
From the declarations of all the girls, we are of the opinion that there never existed any apparitions, neither of the Blessed Virgin nor of the Archangel St. Michael, nor any other personage. That there hasn't been any message, and that everything that happened in Garabandal has a natural explanation.
PULL IN TO CLOSE-UP. BISHOP PUCHOL
Bishop pUCHOL
On making this statement, we can't but congratulate the clergy and the faithful of Santander who, at all times and in filial obedience, have followed the suggestions of the Hierarchy. We lament that this example has not been followed by other people who have sown, with their imprudent conduct, confusion and lack of confidence towards the Hierarchy, preventing, with tremendous social pressure, that the very authors might be able to cause to disappear that which has begun as an innocent children's game.
PULL BACK TO LONG SHOT OF
INT. THE BISHOP'S DINING ROOM -- NIGHT
BISHOP PUCHOL is continuing his remarks on television as he and the SECRETARY, the VICAR GENERAL,and FATHER THEODORE SAN MARTIN, C.M.F., all watch the TV news. A WOMAN HOUSEKEEPER is serving the Bishop and his guests food and drink.
Bishop pUCHOL
(on television)
Once more it is good to remember that the true messages from Heaven come to us by means of the words of the Gospel, from the Popes and councils, and from the Ordinary Magisterium of the Church.
MED. SHOT. BISHOP PUCHOL, THE SECRETARY, AND HOUSEKEEPER
BISHOP PUCHOL gestures to the HOUSEKEEPER to turn off the television.
The secretary
Well said, Your Excellency. Well said.
CLOSE SHOT -- SAN MARTIN, C.M.F.
SAN MARTIN
No! No! You're wrong in what you have done to Garabandal! Unless you repent, you will die!
CLOSE SHOT -- BISHOP PUCHOL, as he lifts a glass of wine to his lips. PULL IN TO CLOSE-UP SHOT.
BISHOP PUCHOL
What I have done, I have done.
DiSSOLVE TO:
InT. the bishop's car -- a white r 8 (renault) -- daY -- may 8, 1967
TWO SHOT -- BISHOP PUCHOL driving his car on a country highway about 30 miles north of Madrid. His passenger, DON AGAPITO AMIEVA MIER, is a much older man than the Bishop.
Bishop pUCHOL
Being that today is the Feast of St. Michael, Father should have given a homily on the angels, a field of theology in which he has shown great acumen.
Don agapito
Wasn't it St. Michael that first appeared to Conchita in Garabandal?
BISHOP PUCHOL
(with controlled anger)
I've had enough of Garabandal!
DON AGAPITO
I'm sorry, Your Excellency.
BISHOP PUCHOL suddenly looks ahead in amazement, as if he sees something in front of him in the road.
BISHOP PUCHOL
(his hands free the steering wheel of the car)
What's happening to us? (He grabs the steering wheel and then slumps unconsciously forward.)
DON AGAPITO
(attempting to gain control of the car's steering wheel)
Your Excellency! (He struggles for control, but the Bishop's hold is fast.)
INT. shot through the windshield of the bishop's car -- dAY
LONG SHOT FROM P.O.V. OF DON AGAPITO OF THE ROAD AHEAD. The car begins to spin over.
InT. bishop puchol's car -- dAY
CLOSE TWO SHOT -- BISHOP PUCHOL AND DON AGAPITO. Don Agapito attempting to gain control of the spinning car. He AND THE BISHOP are BEING THROWN from the car.
EXT. the bishop's car (license platE number 43107) -- dAY
LONG SHOT. THE CAR is ROLLING OVER ten times. At the final roll, it remains upside down. The BISHOP and DON AGAPITO ARE THROWN FROM THE CAR while it is turning over.
LONG SHOT. MOVE IN TO CLOSE SHOT OF BISHOP PUCHOL AND DON AGAPITO, who is unhurt, though thrown from the car. Don Agapito looks upon the body of the Bishop, who has also been thrown from the car, but has been almost totally decapitated. THE HEAD IS SLIGHTLY ATTACHED TO THE BODY, which has suffered SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION. The CAMERA PANS to the HANDS of the Bishop WHILE THEY ARE TURNING BLACK. His clothes are not burned. There is no evidence of fire.
Don agAPITO
O, my God!
After a moment, he begins to bless the body of the Bishop in Latin, making the sign of the cross with great emotion and tears as the CAMERA PULLS BACK TO A HIGH-ANGLE LONG SHOT OF THE WRECKAGE, THE BISHOP, AND DON AGAPITO.
DiSSOLVE TO:
INT. A SMALL ROOM IN A CONVENT SCHOOL IN BURGOS -- DAY -- may 8, 1967
CONCHITA seated at her desk with an open missal at a page reading MAY 8, FEAST OF ST. MICHAEL. She is 18 years old.
THE MOTHER SUPERIOR (MARIA NIEVES), a young, intelligent, and attractive woman, enters the classroom.
Maria neives
I'm sorry, Conchita, I have sad news. Bishop Puchol Montis has been killed in an auto accident.
CoNCHITA
(sadly and bursting into tears)
He did everything with good intentions. This warns us that we must be prepared. So many things can happen. Now, he'll know everything.
The following quote rolls upwards on the screen:
"I thank you, Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, for hiding these things from the learned and the prudent and revealing them to mere children. Yes, Father, for that is what it pleased you to do." (Matt. XI: 25-26)
Int. home of conchita -- conchita at her table writing -- TODAY
ConCHITA
(voice over -- subjective thought)
Asi
es como me succedió a mí y a mis tres amigos cuando andabamos robando manzanas
del árbol de vecino. Todo lo que la Virgen nos dijo, sucederá muy pronto, y yo
oré que el mundo respondiera a nuestra Madre Celestial sus peticiones con
sabiduría y amor.
(Subtitles to the above Spanish)
So that's how it happened to me and my three friends as we were stealing apples from a neighbor's tree. Everything the Virgin told us, will happen very soon, and I pray that the world responds to our Heavenly Mother's requests with wisdom and love.
Fade oUT.
Copyright 2005 by Don Barbeau
Anyone
inspired to produce this screenplay can obtain further information by writing
to
P.O.BOX
2961
SACRAMENTO,CA
95812-2961
ROLL OVER SCREEN CREDITS.
Panis Angelicus is sung over credits by Lucianno Pavarotti and his father.
"THE END OF TIME" IS "THE END OF THE CENTURIES"
This TRUE STORY was based on the works of the following authors:
Joseph A. Pelletier, A.A. "Our Lady Comes to Garabandal", which includes his translation of "Conchita's Diary".
M. Laffineur and M.T. LePelletier, "Star on the Mountain", translated from the French by De Traduction Champlain, E.N.R., and Sheila Laffan Lacouture.
Eusebio Garcia De Pesquera, O.F.M. "SHE WENT IN HASTE TO THE MOUNTAINS", translated from Spanish by Gerard Suel and Otto Miller.
F. Sanchez-Ventura y Pascual, "The Apparitions of Garabandal", translated from Spanish by A. de Bertodano
Robert François, "O Children Listen to Me -- Our Lady Teaches at Garabandal", translated from the French by the Author and Peter Mass.
Ramón Pérez, "Garabandal -- The Village Speaks", translated from the French by Annette I. Curot Mathews; edited by Ann Orhelein.
José Ramón Garcia de la Riva, "Memories of My Visits to Garabandal", translated from the Spanish by Mary of Jesus.
Complimentary to the above studies were personal interviews and commentary by
the following principals and eye witnesses of the Apparitions at Garabandal:
Joey Lomangino
Conchita Gonzalez
Father Ramón Andreu, S.J.
Father Francis A. Benac, S.J.
Father Françios Turner, O.P.
St. Joseph Foundation of Los Angeles
Marthe Robin, Stigmatic mystic
Father Aloysius Ellacuria, C.M.F., Mystic
Edward Kelly
Mons. Manteau-Bonamy, o.p., Theologian for Vatican II on the role of the Virgin Mary in the Church
MAIN SPEAKING ROLES:
MARIA CONCEPCION (CONCHITA) GONZALEZ: 12 years old, ages to 18 years as the story progresses. A very pretty brunette, full of life and zest. Her family is poor. She is a good, normal person, genuine, very gay, simple, open, a great tease with children, and straightforward. Her light brown hair is worn in long braids or plaits, which fall to her waist. Her hair darkens to black as the story progresses. As the film progresses, her hair is cut short. Ingenuous, candid, intelligent.
MARIA DOLORES (MARI LOLI OR LOLI) MAZÓN: 12 years old, ages to 18 years as the story progresses. Quiet, obedient, and has sparkling, laughing eyes. At the age of 15, she is heavier than Conchita and has short, thick shining hair. She is the eldest of six brothers and sisters. Always in a good mood, jovial, and possesses an unchanging sense of humor with a bit of mischief.
JACINTA GONZALEZ: 12 years old, ages to 18 years the story progresses. A charming, lovely girl from one of the most destitute families in Garabandal. Very hospitable. She is shy, retiring, and most reserved and yet profound. Her hair is short with bangs.
MARI CRUZ GONZALEZ: 11 years old, ages to 17 years as the story progresses. Conchita's friend. As tall as Conchita, though less expansive. She is thin and her hair is short with bangs.
DON VALENTIN MARICHALAR: In his middle forties. Pastor of Garabandal. He lives in Cosío and enters Garabandal on horseback on Sunday evening for a late Mass and Vespers. He is a husky built Priest with a bald head. Kind, intelligent, though simple in manner.
DOCTOR CELESTINO ORTIZ PEREZ: In his early forties. A pediatrician and child psychologist from Santander. Objective and methodical. Slender, tall, and wears glasses.
ANICETA GONZALEZ: Conchita's mother. About 42 years old. A widow. Slightly overweight from hard work in the fields. A religious woman, protective and strict with her four children. Conchita is her youngest child.
FATHER LUIS MARIA ANDREU, S.J.: 36 years old. A professional theologian with a critical and trained mind. Known to be a very devout and holy man.
MAIN SPEAKING ROLES (CONT.):
FATHER RAMÓN MARIA ANDREU, S.J.: 37 years old. Brother to Father Luis Andreu, S.J. a retreat master for priests and nuns in Spain. A man of intellectual and literary talents.
DOÑA SERAFINA GOMEZ: Schoolmistress. In her late thirties. A kind woman, devoted to her pupils.
DON FRANCISCO ODRIOZOLA: Forty years old, good-looking, dark hair. A tall slender man. A priest and Secretary of the official Diocesan Commission established to investigate the events in Garabandal.
DOCTOR PIÑAL: In his early forties. A member of the Bishop's Commission. An emotional and outspoken man.
ANICETO (CETUCO) GONZALEZ: 23 years old. Conchita's brother, silently devoted, friendly, hard worker, and religious.
CEFERINO MAZÓN: 48 years old. Loli's father and head of the Council of Garabandal. He manages a small café, which is the men's rendezvous in Garabandal. The father of six children. He sees all, hears all; always on the alert and denies his gullibility.
MARIA GONZALEZ: Mother of Jacinta, visionary.
SIMON GONZALEZ: Father of Jacinta, visionary.
MINOR SPEAKING ROLES:
FATHER JOSÉ RAMÓN GARCIA DE LA RIVA: Looks young. Good looking. Pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Barro-Llanes-Asturias, and neighbor to Garabandal. A prudent, logical and sincere man. Radiating spirituality. Bald.
DOCTOR MORALES: In his late forties. A member of the Bishop's commission.
FATHER GARCIA RUBIO: In his forties. A member of the Bishop's Commission.
MOST REV. DON DOROTEO FERNANDEZ: In his sixties. The Apostolic Administrator of Santander until August 1962.
MOST REV. DON EUGENIO BEITIA ALDAZABAL: In his late seventies. Titular Bishop of Santander and successor to Most Rev. Fernandez. Almost blind. A very sick and aged priest.
MINOR SPEAKING ROLES (CONT.):
MOST REV. VICENTE PUCHOL: About 57 years old. Titular Bishop of Santander and successor to Most Rev. Aldazabal in August 1965.
PILI GONZALEZ: 12 years old girl.
CLEMENTINA GONZALEZ: In her thirties. A very emotional woman.
MARÍN: About 36 years old. A teacher, temporarily residing in Garabandal, a native of Santander. A kind man.
FATHER ROYO MARÍN: In his fifties. A celebrated Dominican and Spanish theologian.
FATHER JOSÉ OLANO
FATHER EMILIANO
JOSÉ SALCEDA: Forty years old. Chauffeur to Senor Ruplicado.
RAFAEL FONTANEDA RUPLICADO: 40 years old. Visitor of Garabandal.
CARMEN RUPLICADO: 40 years old. Wife of Rafael.
MARIA CARMEN RUPLICADO: 8 years old. Daughter to Rafael.
NURSE: 25 years old. On duty at hospital in Reinosa. Spanish.
DOCTOR VINCENTE GONZALEZ: 50 years old. Doctor at hospital in Reinosa.
DOCTOR ALEJANDRO GASCA RUIZ: In his late forties. Expert in child psychology.
ELOISE DE GIA: 60 year old Philipino woman; an intelligent and religious woman.
MARIA: 10-year-old girl in Scene 7.
FOUR VILLAGERS in Scene 11.
ONE VILLAGER in Scene 18.
SCHOOLMASTER: about 48. Scene 19.
VILLAGER in scene 34
DON GARCIA: A priest, about 30 years old.
MINOR SPEAKING ROLES: (CONT):
BOY: 10 years old; in Scene 34.
DON MENDEZ: A priest, about 35 years old.
DON AGAPITO AMIEVA MIER, 37-year-old priest.
MARIA NIEVES, The Mother Superior of Convent in Burgos.
YOUNG MAN about 17 in Scene 45.
MANUEL GOMEZ: About 33. Overweight and wears glasses.
PHOTOGRAPHER
LEON: Friend of Serafín. About 30.
MAZURE: About 30.
PAULINO: 48 years old. Uncle to Serafín and Miguel.
THREE STRANGERS on Road to Garabandal.
BOY: Ten years old. Loli's brother.
YOUNG GIRL: About 8 years old. Mari Loli's sister.
DOCTOR GASCA: Early fifties. White hair.
DOCTOR GALLEGO: Late forties. Heavy set; tall.
TWO SHEPHERD BOYS in their early teens.
LADY SPECTATOR in Scene 170.
FATHER LUNA in Scene 170.
THREE NEWSMEN in Scene 170.
FATHER MARCELINO ANDREU. Brother of Father Ramón. About 28 years old.
CARDINAL OTTAVIANI
POPE PAUL VI
MOTHER SUPERIOR of Convent of the Carmelite Missionaries in Spain - about fifty.
REPORTERS
VILLAGERS - Voices in crowd scenes.
NON-SPEAKING ROLES:
VILLAGERS OF GARBANDAL: Adults, boys and girls.
POLICEMEN: Members of the Guardia Civil from outside of Garabandal.
PRIESTS
DOCTORS
PHOTOGRAPHERS
NEWS REPORTERS
TV REPORTERS
CAMERAMEN
EXTRAS: 3000 for the message of 1961; 300 for the miracle of the visible host; 6000 for the message of 1965.
EXTRAS: As visitors from France, Italy, America, England, Ireland, Germany, etc., forming crowds from 100 to 300 persons for various scenes.