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THE SOCIETY OF JESUS

BASED ON A NOVEL BY JIRI SOTOLA

Starring:

First time on the screen:

Also Starring:

Screenplay by:

Music by:

Directed by:

IT IS THE MID-17th CENTURY

THE JESUITS SPREAD THEIR INFLUENCE IN CENTRAL EUROPE

Lord, do not scold me in Thy anger.

Do not punish me in Thy fury.

For your arrows have remained in my body

and Your hand weighs heavily upon me.

Your anger renders my body healhiless.

My bones are restless because of my sins.

My misdeeds oppress me like the heaviest of burdens.

My madness makes my sores fester and bleed.

lam wretched, pitiful and disheartened.

In my gloom, l wander aimlessly.

My thighs are fatigued and health has left my body.

I am worn out and oven/vrought,

l whine with my heart's anxiety.

You've come already, Father. Come on in.

Father Rector sends me. lam Father Had.

May Lord grant you a good morning, Your Grace.

You are here already.

So they have good horses in monasteries?

I came on foot, Countess.

Close the door!

I'll go back and clean up.

Come closer, Father.

Should I call you Father?

lam not familiarwith strict rules of your order.

But you must be hungry. Have you had breakfast?

No, your ladyship. I thank you.

You Jesu... you, the members of the Society of Jesus

say mass every day.

I'll take you to the chapel, but I can tell you right now

it's poorly equipped.

There's no money.

I'm all alone and manage the estate by myself.

Where did you spend the night?

Nowhere.

- It's a long way here. - You walked all night?

Take a seat.

My confessor should know all about me.

Or perhaps not?

Confession is everything.

Let us say we've just started with my confession.

With a confessor of my own, I can do it whole day long.

A confession has its form, Countess.

lts special way.

It cannot be done in a drawing room,

like some conversation about horses.

Horses?

I thought we were talking about me.

Or haven't you noticed?

We'll both have to get adjusted, Father.

Neither of us chose the other.

But it can't be helped now.

I'll get used to it.

- You think so? - I know so.

Let's go to the chapel now.

What did you do before?

I did a lot of things.

Is this just another of those [h/‘ngs?

I didn't mean it like that.

l fulfilled various tasks,

anything I was entrusted with.

- You're not a doctor of theology? - I'm not.

- But you did study theology? - That I did.

You finished your studies?

Almost, yes.

Hm, almost... Why almost?

You'd look good with a purple biretta.

Well, there were...

Various tasks?

A lot of other tasks.

And you always get used to everything.

Always.

Can you teach me that?

If that's what you need...

Oh, I really do need it.

I've been managing this estate for five years now.

What do you say to that?

- When did your husband die? - He died last year.

But I've been here forfive years.

Alone... can you understand that?

What about your things?

- Aren't you going to fetch them? - What things?

I've brought everything I have.

You are a handsome man, Father.

You intend to live like a hermit?

I would like to celebrate the holy mass now.

Alone.

I would like to say my confession, the proper way.

Later.

- Right now. - No, laterl

lam ridiculous. Right, spiritual Father?

Please come closer, so I won't have to yell.

In your chambers you may speak as you wish.

But God resides here.

Yes, I know that.

Come closer.

Just one sentence, and I'll leave you alone.

lam lonely and desperate, Reverend.

Go back, today!

Tell Rector I wouldn't have you.

Have him send somebody else. Someone older,

willing to have a conversation with me.

Even a deaf one will do.

That can't be, your Ladyship.

The Society of Jesus is a very strict order...

With rigorous discipline.

- You can't do it? - I won’t.

Say your prayers to Her...

My first late husband brought me this painting.

It was done after some old painting...

They say it is miraculous, but I don't believe it.

Come closer. Don't be afraid.

There...

Can anyone read?

What letter is this? An "M"!

And this is A.

You're a Jesuit, aren't you?

Well, yes.

What are you doing here then?

I'm looking for God.

You're crazy, priest.

I'll be back soon!

We ’re c/os/ng the gates!

Wait for me!

We can't wait!

Wait for me!

We're closing the gates!

We're closing the gates! Hurry up!

Don't close yetl

Go on, get in!

God bid you good evening, Father Had.

Father John, I've been waiting foryou since lunch.

Was it hard foryou?

Hard? It was wonderful.

You are late.

It did take me a while. I don't have it in me anymore.

talk, the wind blows...

People don't listen to me...

They should have stuck me in the kitchen...

...not send me on missions.

- Have you seen the Countess? - No. Why should I?

asked foryou.

Perhaps it would be proper to see her.

- You think so? - I do.

You know, you're right.

l stormed in like a barbarian, not letting anybody know.

But can't it wait till morning?

l'll sleep here. There's room for both of us.

There's only one bed here.

l'll sleep on the floor!

That's howl sleep when on missions.

We're going to rest now.

I apologize I am late.

I've been all alone in these fields forfive years.

My husband died in July last year.

And I'm all alone here. Do you understand?

I can't sleep well.

You know, Father...

I am mostly straightfon/vard with the rest of the world.

I doubt in huge changes in my life.

What else cou/dhappen?

You see?

St. Ignatius Loyola...

Countess is asking you to join herfor lunch.

The Abbot brought this.

- Why? - He wants to get me married.

To whom?

A nobleman.

What did you tell him?

l have to think about it, Father.

You don't understand those things.

l have to give it a thought for at least half a day.

And even that's too little forthe person in question.

The nobleman is likely to be awfully offended.

I won't be able to show my face in Vienna anymore.

You can't offend such a nobleman,

such a sublime, powerful order.

What did you tell him?

Who am I?

They offered me to take his name.

l, a country widow.

What did you say to Father Abbot?

I told him nothing.

What about the ring?

Of course, I'll think about it.

He'll come back alright.

Fatherl

Take a horse!

Such s learned theologist...

yet incapable of finding his own advice.

Is it so hard to be a widow's confessor?

- I'm not a learned theologist. - Since when?

You used to be.

You no longerwish doctor's insignia?

wish that which you command me.

Nothing more.

What kind of advice do you need?

And what about the widow?

You hear her confessions?

Once a week.

- Does she have any money? - I'm not sure.

That doesn't interest you?

Not really.

From this day on, you shall be.

Why should I know that?

You asked me something?

I beg your forgiveness...

Has she written a will?

I don't know.

She's still young, she should remarry.

Father... listen very carefully.

Should Countess marry again while you are her confessor,

l'll design a mission foryou you've never dreamed about.

Father Rector...

I beg you to withdraw me from the castle todayl

lam a rather poor missionary.

Do you know the meaning of disobedience?

To wish for something other than what's been ordered?

And what about that chapel?

- Chapel? - Sure, the Marian Chapel.

Her late ex was granted a permit to built it three years ago,

but it's still not there. What do you know about that?

Nothing.

- Where's the painting? - The painting?

Of the Virgin Mary. The chapel is to host that painting,

which is miraculous. How come you know nothing about it?

- I think I know the painting. - Then stop thinking,

and make sure that the chapel is built!

Further on...

I imagine your Christian assistance in a way

which would direct Countess towards advantages of widowhood

and hazards of another marriage. Do you understand?

The woman should be nipped like a fresh rosebud.

I give you a year for that, not a day more. Is that clear?

It is, Father Rector.

Do you now know the meaning of obedience? -I do.

That will be enough.

As a penance, next Good Friday

you shall carry a cross on your back

to the place were the Marian Chapel will be built.

Ha/Z Ma/y, fu// of grace, The Lord /'3 mm thee,

blessed art thou amongst women

and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners

now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

You conceived God by the Holy Spirit.

Hail Mary, full of grace...

You have changed, Father.

As if you were afraid of something.

What happened at Rector's?

I don't know what to tell you.

Just bear in mind that force will accomplish nothing with me.

So, what is it all about?

just told you.

We were talking about the chapel.

Fine. And?

And nothing more.

Not even about my spiritual life?

I agree, I want to live piously. At peace with God.

But surely that wasn't all.

What do you think, should I marry again?

Marry?

VVhy?

It's a common procedure.

It is, but not three times.

It can be done seven times.

Marriage has certain advantages, you know.

It's something you can't understand easily.

I can't sleep well, you understand?

You already told me that during your confession.

You told be those were the gates of sin.

It seems more like torture to me.

If you only think about what takes place in bed...

But wonderful things happen there, Father.

You'd be surprised.

Only l have slept with no man for five years!

But I told you that during my confession, didn't I?

Five years and five months, if you want to know exactly.

I even know the day.

It was an unforgettable day.

An unforgettable bed.

What can you know about what takes place in bed?

Your speak vulgarwords.

Not I, dear Father, life does.

And that is something you know nothing about.

Do you know how your husband died?

What do you know about that?

How could he have died?

only know it was in July.

When I arrived, the casket had already been hammered down.

How d/‘dhe die?

He shot himself.

They found him with his skull shattered.

His brains were all overthe place.

- Who told you that? - He who knows the truth.

Why are you telling me this?

I want you to perceive the end.

To be aware of the end and the punishment.

You are playing games. You say you will remarry.

You say you are going to do something absurd.

You say it's unimportant.

You speak out the words and your are gaming.

What about the end?

The punishment?

Do sit down, Father.

Count Waldstein is the new archbishop in your diocese.

Do you know anything about it?

Would you like to drink something, Father?

You appear to have fever.

Yes, Count Waldstein studied in Rome.

Many years will pass before his confirmation

by the Holy Father.

Imagine, a rich man.

Some things one simply cannot understand.

Rectorthinks you should be expelled from the Society.

Do you know the reason?

Expelled?

No, l have no idea, Reverend.

Do sit down.

Why are your eyes so red?

Why have you come here so ill?

You should have stayed in bed.

Your Rector says, you've done

a lot of minor mistakes.

Outrages, he calls them.

Yes...

we have to investigate the possibility

for our actions to succeed.

lf success is probable,

than all the actions are acceptable.

Do you know what I'd like to see?

A church built on Countess' estate,

visited by processions from all overthe region,

processions of Catholic worshipers.

Think about this temple.

You do not agree, FatherAdmonitor?

But I do.

You should warn me if I'm wrong. That's why you are the Admonitor.

What would you do, Father, if we expelled you?

You haven't finished your studies, have you?

Yes, l have.

But you haven't passed the final examination?

No, I haven't. lwas sent...

It is such a great shame.

One should not yield to one's own indolence.

What shall I do with you? You only cause me trouble.

No one can rid you of your calling of a priest,

but you can hardly expect a parish once you're expelled.

- Do you own any assets? - None.

It is unlikely that you could get it back anyway,

but that rector of yours probably exaggerates.

He talks more like a bargee. Writes me a letter

as if it were such a distance, and as if he were a Popel

And an ill-mannered letter at that!

What is this countess like? What is her name?

Maria. Maria Maximiliana.

Maria... a beautiful name.

Go back peacefully. Do your best.

Make up forthe damage you've caused to our order.

I shall gladly forget about everything.

Not from the Society! Nol

Your Grace, perhaps we should try with that painting...

Take it and hold it before his eyes.

Mary will have mercy.

Take me to him.

Come, let him rest.

Well, Father...

You should light a huge candle.

We already thought you'd die on us.

There...

Well, how did it all go?

ls Father Provincial a good man?

Yes, he is.

You led learned conversations?

Were you conferred a doctor's degree?

- No, I wasn't. - They should have!

Or at least make you a prefect or a rector.

- There's no better man for it. - Are you out of your mind?

Who knows if they're going to keep me in the Society!

But why wouldn't they?

I haven't deserved it.

You are joking! I can see you're feeling better.

No, I'm telling you seriously.

I am no good and it grieves me.

It will pass. It's the illness.

You're weak.

I had a sighting.

She came to me...

She was standing at the door with baby Jesus in her arms,

a twelve star halo around her head... and she said...

"Clean that painting, John the Baptist,"

"and decorate it nicely."

"lt hangs so sadly in shadows."

l decorated the painting and had another sighting.

She came...

this time without the Child.

Perhaps the Child was asleep.

A pine twig in her hands,

as if she'd taken it from that wreath...

...to please me.

The Virgin shall get a new chapel now.

A new chapel... here?

A new chapel?

Don't get up, reverend Father.

Do you know that you showed the first signs of recovery

when Countess stepped into your room.

You looked at her and fell asleep.

I don't rememberthat.

There is nothing to remember.

Father John likes to invent things, especially miracles.

Do get well, I've no one to talk to.

What are you two talking about?

We were talking about building that chapel.

Fine, we shall build it. What chapel will it be?

A Marian chapel. We'll also move the painting inside.

That miraculous one.

All right, we'll take that picture of yours, too.

Do not let us disturb you.

We wish you a pleasant day, your Grace.

How about this one?

No, it's not right.

And this one?

- That one neither. - That one neither...

- This one? - This one is good.

Take it easy, Father.

Father, is this the place you saw her? -No.

Virgin Mary appeared at the top of the hill.

She was sad, crying.

Wait! I went to say goodbye to the painting.

Lord Abbot brought the crucifix forthe chapel?

If only it were for the chapel.

What do you say to this?

This isn't meant for a chapel, but for a neck.

A woman's neck.

- It's from the Abbot? - He only brought it here.

It's a gift from that nobleman.

It bears a message. Does it begin to sink in?

Yes, they want to get me married.

What did you say to Lord Abbot?

I told him nothing.

Come with me.

What shall we do, Father?

Scarlet fever...

Avoid contact with other children.

You watch yourself, too.

She's going to die.

We can't tell. Only God knows that.

Father, grant me one wish.

Bring that painting here and hold it before her eyes.

Don't hold it against me, your Grace,

but the painting will be taken to the chapel tomorrow.

There will be children in the procession.

What if the painting gets contaminated?

The painting is mine, this child is mine, too.

Besides, you yourself say God decides who's to get ill.

Well?

This is the punishment, Father.

Punishment forwhat?

For everything.

Everybody is dying, and I keep on living here.

That is not true.

I shall make the castle over to your order and go away.

Recommend a good monastery for me.

Why would you go to a monastery?

You can't leave your daughter, she's too young.

She's going to die.

No, she won't.

We shall pray for her.

She's going to die...

A piece of advice, if I may...

Take a vow of widow's chastity

and you will be at peace.

- What is it? - Nothing complicated.

A promise not to marry ever again.

You shall turn down any proposal beforehand,

all the wooers and other such nonsense.

All right, Father.

I shall do it.

And anotherthing...

We shall take the child along

into the procession tomorrow, with the painting.

I've seen people do that with the sick people.

I wouldn't drag the child all the way to the chapel.

She might not survive it.

I like the chapel.

You understood our last conversation quite well.

Revered Father...

The child is very ill.

I'm afraid the procession might harm her,

she might die.

Taking herto Holy Virgin...

How can it harm her?

If she dies...

...it will be God's will.

It will be punishment.

You yourself said Countess spoke about punishment.

Not a word about this any more.

Will you be burning books tomorrow?

Books? No.

You think you've burned them all?

I don't burn books.

Oh, come on... A matter of principle?

No. just haven't found a single book of heresy.

So it's not the principle, but ignorance...

Best thing would be for that countess of yours

to go to a monastery. A widow's vow...

...that isn't much.

Should she leave for a convent

and make the castle overto us,

that would be the best solution.

But she's got a daughter, reverend Father.

A daughter? The sick one?

But you said yourself she would probably die.

Scarlet fever is a terrible disease.

What are you doing here? Who are you?

Father Had sent me. lam Father John.

- So you are Father John... - Yes.

I came here mostly because of you, Father.

- You know why... - I do.

I'm no good. I can't even preach.

- see... - play with children all the time...

I shall help you.

I want to talk about those sightings of yours.

They say you have sightings.

She came at the top of the hill

while I was looking for medicinal herbs.

Really, many saints had sightings like you.

lam no saint, Reverend, just a poor monk.

l nevertold you were a saint.

It would be wonderful

if tomorrow during the ceremony

you would shout at us, " see /7e/"...

Try to summon Her, if you love us.

Now go.

I confess that Catholic is the only true religion.

I believed in Luther, and now curse him.

lcurse him.

lcurse him...

l curse him... I curse him...

We shouldn't have done this, Father.

We shouldn't have.

lcurse him...

No, don't...

Well, Father...

has she come down among us?

I can't see her.

I'm sure she's come down,

but I can't see her.

see. You make me sad. So you lied after all.

No l I swear I didn't lie.

I'm watching, looking for her, but I can't see her.

- But it seemed as if... - What, car/same?

- there, on the painting... - What happened there?

I don't know...

As if her holy hand moved a little.

- It's getting all blurry now. - A miracle...

Bened/camus Dom/Hum.

I'm asking you, Father, did you see her?

I'm asking you, did she give you a sign?

She did, Reverend Father.

It appeared so...

She moved her hand?

He saw it and fell silent.

On your knees, ye gathered in Christ!

She came through her servant

and he saw!

A miracle... a miracle!

So wasted are my hands and feet

that I can count all my bones.

I'll admit...

l was convinced they'd call me off as soon

as we finished the chapel.

And send you where?

One never knows.

But I was hoping they might allow me

to sit forthat exam, and then later on

I'd go teaching to a university.

But you are my confessor.

Yes.

But hearing your confessions is not a difficult job.

It's no job at all anymore.

- What is it then? - It's hard to tell.

I can't find the right word.

A friendship?

I regard you a s a good friend, Father.

May I call it so?

Yes, lam your loyal, tolerable friend.

I can't see a thing. Give me a pebble.

Every life is but a lost pebble.

God be with you. Who are you?

The castellan. Welcome, your Grace.

I said "God be with you", because lam a minister.

Usually l'm addressed as Lord Archbishop.

ls Countess in?

She's still in the chapel.

I'll send a servant.

Would my Lord Archbishop step in and wait,

- ...it's not that close. - The castle chapel?

Countess is in St. Mary's, at the top of the hill.

You'd send a servant and make her run over here?

Where's that chapel?

This girl can show me.

- She's my wife. - Does that botheryou?

lt's doesn't bother me. What about you, madam?

Your wife or your daughter, castellan, orwhateveryou are?

My wife, I said. I shall take you.

No, it's too late.

You have insulted me. Let's go, madam.

It is raining, my lllustrious Lady.

I can hear it.

Still, I thank you for coming to let me know.

You've brought the news from afar?

Forgive me, I slipped in here like a dog.

Even a dog has a name.

Your dog's name is Count Waldstein.

The Archbishop?

Through our Lord's mercy and the will of the Apostolate.

Welcome, my Venerable Lord.

We shall try to mend what has been done.

Mend what, my lady?

We greeted you as a dog, and you are an Archbishop.

You indeed are beautiful.

Words from the Gospel?

Perhaps. They are entirely true.

Amenl

You often lie before the altar, Reverend?

No.

And you often grab woman's elbow before the altar?

I apologize.

We are wordly people, unaccustomed

- ...to gallantry in a church. - That can easily be changed.

With you leaving here?

No, with me escorting you to your castle.

Travelers looking for a shelter in a storm

need but a roof over their heads.

That much we can offeryou.

Take a seat, Father.

Is something bothering you?

lam not here to mind that.

I shall come back tomorrow. I shall not disturb you.

You are jealous of the Archbishop?

What are you afraid of?

lam asking you, are you jealous of him?

You don't have to answer, I know it anyway.

lswearto you, your Ladyship...

Don't, I know what you are going to say.

I know you've never even tried to touch me.

Not even in your dreams. And I know

you are never going to do it.

So give me your hand, my bearable friend.

Why, you're more beautiful with each new day.

I thank you, my reverend lord.

We're not in the chapel, you may lie.

Yes, I may. But I do not wish to.

I would like to be allowed to do that which I desire.

God punishes broken vows, my lady.

If it is so, then let Him.

You know, I've had enough!

God has had enough.

Stop it! You are the last one to know that!

Have you talked to God?

Are you his secretary?

For now I am merely your confessor.

You know your duties only too well.

Yes, I do. Wanderthese halls like a ghost,

a walled in cat!

You'd like that, wouldn't you?

l

sitting and discussing with you the holy martyrsl That you'd like!

But my body is not made from wax.

Feel it, won't you?

That's why I'm going to go to bed with that Count. Tonightl

Then I'll come to you to hear my confession.

Believe me, it's going to be interesting.

There'll always be somebody around to absolve me.

If not you, Lord Archbishop will.

May I come to you, or shall I wait foryou instead?

Wait for me where?

In my room.

Your room?

What shall we be doing there?

It's going to be a cheerless night.

Don't get sore so quickly.

Would you like us to go to bed together?

So wasted are my hands and feet

that I can count all my bones.

They stare at me and gloat;

they divide my garments among them;

for my clothing they cast lots.

I beg your pardon, Your Grace.

It doesn't matter.

I can hearyour confession, if you wish.

That can wait.

A vow can be renewed.

It won't be necessary, my friend.

It hasn't been broken.

lt survived the night.

What do you say to that?

You will take my castle and chase me away?

I really don't know.

lam but a little, insignificant man.

But why would they take it away?

You are rather stupid man, Father.

Very stupid.

But I like your company.

Of you I'm not afraid.

I hope they won't take away anything.

But who keeps taking things away from you?

God...

He never steals anything from anyone.

Others stole from Him.

And they keep stealing...

MARIA MAXIMILIANA TURNED OVER HER CASTLE

TO THE SOCIETY OF JESUS, AS WELL AS ALL HER VILLAGES

AND LANDS TOGETHER WITH ALL THE SERVANTS AND RIGHTS

SHE AND ALL HER PREDECESSORS HAD EVER HAD.

Translation and subtitling by Tomislav Mihalic