In a 1347 Italian convent, Sister Ginevra notices Sister Fernanda missing morning prayer, later finding her with a donkey. Fernanda claims the donkey escaped, but Ginevra doubts it. The sisters scold a handyman for eye contact, as they must remain pure. Mother Maria is suspicious of Fernanda's frequent donkey-related absence. Sister Alessandra is unhappily forced to be there by her father.