Catania, Sicily in 1854. During a cholera epidemic novice Maria leaves her convent and returns home. Her stepmother and sisters force her to continue her life as "bride of God." But Maria falls in love with neighbor Nino.

In 1854, a cholera epidemic hits Catania, Sicily. 16-year-old novice Maria leaves her convent and returns home to avoid the plague. Her stepmother and half-sisters prevent her from living the typical life of a young girl. In their minds, she is the promised "bride of God" and a regular life is inappropriate for her. Nevertheless, she falls in love with neighbor Nino. Her freedom ends abruptly when she is forced to return to the convent.—X