Synopsis:

On a trip to India, the young and rich Stella encounters Father Sandro, who runs a mission. Deeply moved by this experience, she gives up her superficial lifestyle on returning to Italy to become a nun, Sister Maria.
Sent to a mission in Amazonian Brazil, she sets up a school and infirmary with other nuns.
When the peace of the mission is interrupted by an army of workers cutting down the surrounding jungle, she heads off to confront the local and ruthless businessman responsible, Pacheco, who in return rapes her. Sister Maria later discovers she is pregnant but the child dies at birth.
She then embarks on a period of crisis, doubting her faith, and is further unsettled when she receives a visit from Father Sandro, whose appearance stirs up an array of conflicting emotions.
But her terrible ordeal is finally to come full circle. Pacheco is dying and sends for her to beg forgiveness and absolution. She will encounter other difficulties ahead, but is now strong enough to overcome her fears and doubts in order to live in peace with her vows.