11-13 September 1943 Summary

Basilica San Giovanni Battista, Porto Sant'Andrea

Don Osvaldo hears a funny confession by Catarina Dolcino, who wants to be punished for the most minor infractions. "Rina" explains that Renzo is not really a criminal, but went to jail in place of his brother in law, Tranquillo Loeb, who had also not done anything wrong, but in 1938, every city had to send ten anti-Fascist Jews to jail. Rina feels the Leonis are good people, and asks Osvaldo if he will participate in her plan, which involves Suora Marta and Signora Leoni.

Serafino Brizzolari, the bureaucrat who once sent Renzo to jail, confesses his numerous sins to Don Osvaldo, hoping for absolution since he has already confessed them to the Archbishop and did not follow his advice. Osvaldo is impatient with the sinners and with the war. His little village is under pressure...