Original subtitles

[Bell Tolling]

- Good afternoon, Monsignor. - Good afternoon, Father.

How long have you been here in Tweedside, Father Chisholm?

- Twelve months. - Ah, yes, I remember now.

It was your particular wish to return to your native parish.

This is also the native parish of His Grace, the bishop.

I'm aware that Bishop Mealey shares with you...

the... distinction of having been born here.

What age are you now, Father?

Now, no older than Angus Mealey.

No doubt, but life has treated you somewhat differently.

To be brief...

the bishop and I both have the feeling that your...

long and faithful years should now be recompensed...

that you should, uh, retire.

But I have no wish to retire.

I'm sure you will understand that this has been a somewhat painful experience for me-

this week of investigation.

I find that I must point out to His Grace...

certain, uh...

peculiarities in the administration of your parish...

which he can scarcely overlook.

- Peculiarities? - Some of your sermons, the advice you give...

your approach to... certain points of doctrine.

Still peculiar after so many years.

Here is a remark that you made in Holy Week.

"All atheists are not godless men.

I knew one who I hope may now be in heaven."

But he was a peculiar atheist.

And then, "The good Christian is a good man...

but I found that the Confucianist usually has a better sense of humor."

When Mrs. Glendenning, one of your best parishioners...

whom naturally cannot help her extreme stoutness...

came to you for spiritual guidance, you looked at her and said...

"Eat less. The gates of paradise are narrow."

I'm afraid that you have lost your command of souls, Father.

I have no wish to command anyone's soul.

Naturally, I don't presume to be your judge.

I can only submit my findings to His Grace...

for his consideration in reaching a final decision.

Now, if you don't mind, Father, I will go to my room.

I shall be leaving the first thing in the morning...

and I have work still to do.

Uh, would you-would you be good enough to remind Angus-

His Grace, I mean- that we were boys together?

The bishop has not forgotten.

He spoke about it only last week.

- Well, mention it to him again, will you? - Of course.

L- I shouldn't like to leave here, if it could be helped.

Naturally. Good night.

This is my native parish, you know.

Good night, Father.

"Francis Chisholm- his journal.

"1878.

"Nothing could have been more remote from the life I have lived...

"than the beginning of it.

"My father was a master fisherman in the little village ofTweedside...

"the finest, the most honorable man I have ever known.

"He was a Catholic, as I was.

"My mother was a Protestant.

"The words, as I write them, seem divided...

"but never were three souls more nearly one...

"never were three hearts as happy and as filled with love...

as ours for each other. "

We're having company for supper tonight, remember.

Polly's coming up from Tynecastle, and she's bringing Nora.

- Nora? - What's wrong with Nora, lad?

She's a girl.

A very proper objection, but you'll have to learn tolerance, laddie.

Women can't help it that they're not men.

Alex, I wish you'd let one of the other men take the accounts to town.

There'll be trouble again.

Last week I knocked their heads together...

and this week I'll do the same if they cross me.

To please me, Alex.

Like as not, they'll not say a word, one way or the other.

I'll be back for supper.

- Good-bye, son. - Good-bye, sir.

What is there to fear in the town, Mother?

I'm sorry, Francie. What did you say?

I said, what is there to fear in the town?

You and your father are Catholics, son.

Some people fear Catholics.

Some people hate them.

[Thunderclap]

- It's coming down. - Aye, it is.

- Well, good night, Mac. - Good night, and mind what I tell you, me lad.

- Be careful. - I'll be all right. Don't you worry.

There goes that dirty papist!

We told you Roman scum to stay away from this town!

[Thunder Rumbling]

It's the storm that's keeping him.

[Loud Thunderclap]

I can't stand it any longer, Polly.

- I'm going with you. - No, Francie.

You stay here.

Go with her, son. She may need you.

Thank you, Nora.

Francie. Francie!

I don't want anything to happen to him.

Hold on to me, Alex. We'll make it home.

Carefully.

Careful!

The water! It's filled my boot!

Alex!

- Help yourself. Go away. - No!

- No! No! - Let go! Let go!

No! No!

Mother! Father!

Go into the house, Nora.

I don't want to go in just yet.

Let me stay with you.

No, please, Nora.

[Sobbing]

[Stifled Crying]

[Sobbing]

[Monsignor Reading] "Although I was not related by blood...

"to either Polly, her brother Ned or Nora-

"they were distant cousins of my father-

"they took me to live with them in Tynecastle.

"Their kindness and affection once more filled me with happiness...

"and, as the years went by, I became increasingly satisfied...

"with the fact that Nora was a girl.

"My return to college after each vacation...

became an increasingly difficult parting for both of us. "

Well, Francis, I'm glad you finally arrived.

People were beginning to think Willie was here to see me off.

I am, in a way. I want to be sure you go.

Francis, are you sure you have the tickets? Hello, Willie. Hello, Angus.

You and Francis better get aboard.

First thing you know, we'll be standing here talking, and you'll miss the train.

And so it's good-bye again.

But it'll be Christmas before we know it, and I'll be here.

- And go away again. - For the last time ever.

I'll be graduated in June.

Angus is going on from Holywell to the seminary.

I'll wish him the best of luck and come home to you.

- And then- - And then?

- What is it? - Nothing.

Tell me.

- You won't come home to me. - Nora!

If you do, you'll go away again to the seminary with Angus.

- Please. - You're going to become a priest, Francis.

Why won't you get that out of your mind?

- I can't, any more than you can. - I love you.

- And you love Polly too. - Of course I do, but-

She just lives for the day you become a priest.

It's all she talks about and dreams about and prays for.

It's the reason you went to school with Angus instead of Willie...

because Holywell is a Catholic college.

I'm sure Aunt Polly would be very happy if I were to become a priest.

In fact, I know she would. But there isn't a chance of it.

How could there be when I feel about you the way I do?

How strong will your feelings be when they come up against what Polly wants more than anything?

She's had her way with you. She's wrapped you around her finger since I can remember.

You're not being very fair to her, are you?

No, I suppose not.

Well, why don't you just wait and see?

I'll try.

But sometimes I get so afraid...

and so lonely.

- [Train Whistle Blows] - [Polly] Francis!

Francie.

Francis, how could you wait until the last second to say good-bye to me...

when there's so much I had to say to you?

I'm sorry, Aunt Polly, but there was a lot I had to say to Nora too.

- It's been wonderful to be home. - Take care of yourself.

- Write to me often and study hard. - Of course I will.

- Francis! You've got the tickets. Come on. - Be right with you, Angus.

Good-bye, Ned. Thanks for everything. Take good care of Aunt Polly.

- I'll do that. - Good-bye, Willie.

Good luck on your med studies, and write to me.

Francie, you'll get the next heart I dissect as a valentine.

- [Whistle Blows] - Good-bye, dear.

Well, now, I'm not going off to the salt mines in Siberia.

[Whistle Blows]

- Good-bye, Nora. - Good-bye, Francis.

- Come on. The train will be starting in just a minute. - You'll miss the train.

- Is everything there, Angus? - Yes.

Let me know if you want anything, Francis! Good-bye!

Bye, Nora. Bye, Aunt Polly. Bye, Ned.

Bye. Have a nice trip.

- Bye! - Wait a minute. I forgot my present for Angus.

Something for those cold nights at Holywell.

Are you sure you can part with it?

I wouldn't want to deprive you of your only comfort.

Well, I never thought I'd live to see a Scotsman throw a bottle of whiskey out a window.

And another one to stand there and let him do it.

But there was a third Scotsman there to catch it!

Well, this is a sort of an empty moment, isn't it?

I don't think I'll ever get used to not having Francie around.

It'll be a good thing that next year he's home to stay.

I wouldn't be so sure of that.

Francis may decide to go on to the seminary after all.

And why not? He's a fine boy.

It's a fine church.

[Monsignor Reading] "My studies prevented me from returning home for Christmas...

"as I had planned.

"As always, it was necessary for me to work twice as hard as the next man...

"to accomplish as much.

And so, another summer had come. "

- [Knocking] - Come in.

Chisholm, what explanation have you to offer for your conduct?

- Have I done something wrong, Father? - Something unforgivable.

You- I've forgotten what, exactly.

Merely an additional example of what seems to be a general mental disobedience in you.

Just what was it specifically, Father?

During my instruction, I referred to the one true and epistolic religion.

- He saw fit to question this description. - Well?

My question was meant as a question, Father.

I asked whether God set an exclusive value on creed...

since it was such an accident of birth.

The answer to your question is "yes."

Have you done any fishing lately?

I've been thinking I might try the Glebe Pool, sir.

- There's a big one there. - There's nothing in the Glebe Pool.

- There's a big one there now, sir. - Oh! Imaginary.

- If you've no further need of me, Father- - Thank you, Father.

Sit down, Francis.

Sit down.

You'll be out of here in another term.

Isn't it about time you made up your mind about the future?

Yes, I've tried to, sir. I think of it all the time.

I've been appointed a rector of our San Juan seminary in Spain beginning next year.

- You'll be leaving Holywell? - Yes.

I'd hoped that we might meet at San Juan next fall.

- I think you'd make a good priest. - Thank you, Father. L-

You seem confused, lad. You've got worries eating at you.

- Would it help to talk them out? - Oh, it's just that l-

Well, I know there's a vocation for me, Father...

but I don't know where to find it.

I can't go on letting Polly and Ned support me.

How can I ever repay them for what they've done already?

I'd be no help about the tavern.

Besides, it's almost a year since I've been home, since last summer's vacation.

In all that time, so little word from any of them.

And now a letter from Polly...

asking me not to come home this year.

She doesn't say why. Just that it's best, and she begs me not to come.

I feel there's something wrong, that I ought to help.

I'm sure that if help is needed and you can help...

there's none they'd rather ask for than yours.

How can I be expected to stay away without a reason?

You cannot say that there is not a reason.

I had my heart set on never leaving Holywell.

You had yours set on going home.

What do you say?

Shall we both agree to let Almighty God have his way?

Hmm? [Chuckles]

You're in love with Nora, aren't you, Francis?

- You say you actually saw that fish? - Oh, yes, Father, I did.

Well, then why aren't we after him? Eh? Before he's gone.

- Here. Here's a rod. - Yes, Father.

There.

Well, what are we waiting for?

Thank you.

Keep its head up, MacNabb. Up. Up!

Ah, careful! Careful now.

Ooh! Watch him, lad. Watch him.

- Watch him! Oh. Oh, MacNabb. - You got him, Father.

MacNabb, what a bonny, bonny fisher you are!

- Oh! Get your net, boy. Get your net. - Don't worry, Father.

Here he comes, lad. Get him before he's lost!

[Chuckles] You know, I wouldn't object to your eating so little...

if it didn't emphasize the fact that I ate so much.

[Train Whistle Blows]

It was fine of the Lord, I think, to put all the little fishies in the brooks...

and to send me here to catch them.

[Whistle Continues]

It's a lonely sound, that.

When I was a homesick lad and heard it in the night...

I'd imagine it was the cry of a lost soul speeding through eternity.

My imaginings are less spiritual, Father.

To me it's the Southern Express, the only thing I have of home.

It whistles for me, and tomorrow night it will whistle for them.

- Please understand, Father. I've got to go home. - I do understand, Francis.

If only Nora would write, if only she-

You know, she objected bitterly to my coming back to Holywell.

- She thinks that l- - Yes, yes, I know.

L- Sit down a moment, Francis.

I've got something to tell you.

- You've got bad news. Is it about Nora? - Aye.

- Why wasn't I told? - Because it wasn't easy to tell.

Sit down, lad.

How long is it since you've seen Nora?

It's been over a year now. I've told you.

You told me she quarreled with you then...

because she thought you were being made a priest here despite yourself.

She knew in her heart that that wasn't so.

I have no way of knowing what was in Nora's heart, but it seems that...

after you left, she-

Have any of your friends written to you about her?

I have only one friend, Willie Tulloch. He's been away at medical school.

- Yes, he's at home now. - At home?

- Aye, looking after her. - But-

Nora changed a great deal, Francis, and all to the bad, I'm afraid.

She became increasingly bitter...

even with those who loved her most.

There seemed little she cared about- her own character least of all.

- Until finally- - Father.

What is it you're trying to say? What's happened?

A baby was born to her some six weeks ago. A little girl.

She alone knows who the father is.

She will not say.

She's desperately ill.

But it was her express wish that you were not to be sent for.

I've often wished that I were a wiser man than I am...

but never so much as now.

I cannot tell you to do anything...

except what is in your own heart to do.

You can still catch that train, Francis.

Good-bye, Father.

God bless you, lad.

[Whistle Blows]

Willie.

- How is she? - Francie, Nora is dead.

It would be easier if you didn't go up now.

Come on. Let's walk a bit, huh?

[Bell Tolling]

[Choir Singing, Indistinct]

- Willie. - Yes, Francie?

- [Tolling Continues] - [Choir Vocalizing]

Amen

[Monsignor Reading] "It would be pleasurable to record...

"that I became an immediate success as a priest.

"Alas, the facts were quite otherwise.

"I failed dismally in my first two curacies.

"There seemed to be little promise of success in my next- or ever, for that matter.

"When one day there came a summons from the new bishop-

the new bishop and my guardian angel of old, Hamish MacNabb. "

[Chuckling]

Francis, it does my old eyes good...

to see a priest so manifestly unprosperous as you.

I walked most of the way in the rain. I'm afraid I got a little wet.

Too rebellious even to use an umbrella, eh? [Chuckling]

Go over to the fire. I'll get you something warm.

I'm not yet properly accustomed to my new dignity.

I ought to ring and command some of the fine vintages...

used by all the bishops one reads about.

This is only whiskey.

But then we're only Scotsmen, huh?

But don't look so scared. Sit down.

- Thank you. - Sit down.

Under these bishop's robes there still beats the heart of MacNabb...

the master fisherman.

Remember? [Chuckling]

Well, here- here's to us.

You've had a pretty thin time of it, haven't you, Francis?

"Thin's" the kindest possible word for it, Your Lordship.

Failure might be closer to the facts.

Hmm. Well, now, let's see.

You've had two curacies since Holywell.

At the first, Shalesley, you insisted upon establishing a dance hall.

It was a recreation center, Your Lordship. There was a desperate need of it.

If you could have seen the poverty and destitution of those people.

At any rate, there was a rather serious disagreement...

between you and your superior.

You were then transferred to Tynecastle, to your home.

There, your closest personal association was with an atheist.

Willie Tulloch. He's a doctor now, as his father was when he saved my life.

Willie's my oldest and dearest friend and one of the kindest men I've ever known.

Atheists have reason to be kind.

Then Father Fitzgerald.

He found you argumentative and frequently guilty of unorthodox doctrine.

- Nothing I did seemed pleasing to him. - Just to Almighty God, eh?

Certainly, he cannot be too pleased with me.

In our Father's house, there's so many mansions.

Surely there's room for me.

I've tried so hard, believe me...

and failed so miserably.

Am I so ill-equipped to give what's in my heart to give?

It's strange.

When I was a little boy, I imagined it was not in the least difficult to be a priest...

that they were all infallibly perfect.

And now you've discovered how frighteningly human we are. Hmm?

[Chuckles] To me you have never been a failure...

and I think you never will be.

Well, thank you, Your Lordship.

But don't ask me why. I'm sure I couldn't say.

Perhaps because I've always been partial to the stray cat...

who comes stalking down the aisle...

when everyone is yawning their heads off at a dull sermon.

You're like that cat, in a way.

I haven't been able to take me eyes off you.

And I can't help thinking you're in the church, not by chance...

but for a reason.

You can do with some cheering up, so I'll risk giving you a swelled head.

You've got inquisitiveness and tenderness.

You're sensible of the difference between thinking and doubting.

You feel an excitement about your work...

that'll keep it from ever becoming routine.

You'll never become what I call "an ecclesiastic mechanic."

No. I don't want ye ever to change.

You understand, of course.

I say these nice things to you...

because I want you to do something for me.

You've made it impossible for me to say anything but "yes," Your Lordship.

That's why I've been made a bishop.

Now, this will call for great personal sacrifice.

It will mean a long period of training...

in language, customs, procedure.

It'll not be an easy life. No, nor a safe one.

But I believe sincerely it is the life for you.

The Society for the Propagation of the Faith...

has asked me to supply a volunteer missionary...

for China.

- Will you go? - China?

It'll mean leaving far behind you everything that is near to you now-

your home, your friends, Aunt Polly-

- Judy. - Judy?

Yes. Nora's little girl.

- She means a great deal to me. - Of course.

- I'll be happy to go, Your Lordship. - I knew you would.

And you'll be a credit to both of us.

Come to see me again before you leave. We'll pray for ye.

Thank you, Your Lordship.

Oh, Francis?

Take this with you. It's a good thing to have.

You never know when it's going to rain.

[Sniffling]

[Monsignor Reading] "How different from the China of today...

"was the country to which I came so many years ago.

"Exploited and abandoned by the world around her...

"starving and struggling to realize what was then just a hope, a dream-

"unity and dignity and a place in the sun.

"And so I came to China, to the province of Chekhow...

"a thousand miles from the sea...

to my mission in the city of Pai Tan. "

[Cheering]

- [Cheering Continues] - [Fireworks Popping]

[Cheering Louder]

I, uh- I assume you've come to meet me.

Yes, Father. I'm Hosannah Wong, your beloved catechist.

- And this is my Christian wife, Philomena. - How do you do?

We have bearers and a chair, if Father is ready.

Well, how nice. It's such a lovely day. I'd rather walk.

- [Speaking Chinese] - Oh, thank you. Thank you.

- My-My trunk is on board. - [Chinese]

Shall we go?

Well, why are we stopping here?

- Surely the mission cannot be far now. - Here, Father, is the mission.

Why has this taken place?

The work of the devil, Father.

It was a beautiful mission and cost much...

but the good father who is gone place it too near the river...

and the devil sent much wicked rain.

Where are the people of the congregation? Why have they done nothing to rebuild?

Father must realize that for almost one year now, we get no cash.

Cash?

You mean, you were given money? Why?

To buy rice, Father. How else could we bring new members?

But among the 400 communicants listed on the books...

surely there must have been many true Christians.

If you mean those who believe without rice, yes, there were many.

But as we told you, Father, they went far into the hills to the Christian village.

- And those who have remained? - Their faith left them when the rice gave out.

And... you?

As soon as Father restores our lawful stipend of 15 taels per month...

he will find us as useful as ever.

And for that, we include the serving of Mass.

Then I think you should know that I cannot pay you any money.

[Chinese]

I should warn you that I understand almost everything you say.

Also, I know what rice-Christians are. I have no interest in them whatever.

Perhaps Father needs to understand more than the language of Pai Tan.

There is much animosity lately against the foreigners...

particularly if they are without money.

It would be wise for Father to have two friends of influence.

Without them it might be that harm could come to him.

[Monsignor Reading] "While the ruined stable was suitable for my living quarters...

"it was not likely to attract many converts.

"Accordingly, I used part of my meager funds...

to rent a small room in the city. "

[Shouting, Laughing]

[Laughter]

"Right Reverend Hamish MacNabb, bishop ofTynecastle.

"My Lord...

"truly this is a most difficult task...

"but there must be a way along which to carry God's grace...

"to even these, his most unhappy creatures.

"If I do not find the way...

"it will be only because I have failed again.

"I can promise you only that I will search for it to the end of my days.

"I've lived this far in failure.

"If I am to die in it...

then I want it to be here, where only God and I will know."

- [Quiet Clattering] - Who's there?

- Who are you? - I am Joseph.

- Joseph? - Yes, Father.

When I was born, I was called Ta-ming.

When I became a Christian, I demanded the name ofJoseph at my baptism.

- Where were you baptized? - Here, in this village, Father.

Strange I've not seen you before now.

When the other father left, there were many Christian families...

who traveled to the Christian village of Liu.

- My family was among these. - Why have you returned?

Word came to us that you were here.

With my father's permission, I left at once.

Oh? Well, come in.

Come in.

- Here. Let me help you. - I can manage, Father.

- You seem exhausted. - I'm a little tired.

I have walked for five days and four nights.

- Well, sit down, Joseph. - Thank you.

Sit down.

Surely this miserable stable cannot be where Father lives.

Well, those in Bethlehem were no better than this.

You'll see, Father. Together we will build a chapel again and a house.

I can make bricks, and speak many dialects, and cook...

and help with the school, and care for the grounds.

- I am a most useful man. - I cannot pay you any money.

I have not asked Father for money.

I want to serve you because there is work to be done...

and I'm a Christian.

L- I've been alone for so long.

Perhaps without knowing it, my faith and trust have been shaken.

Will you forgive me, Joseph?

In the basket, I have some melon...

and some ducks and several dozen of eggs which I gathered along the way.

Gathered? Oh, you mean, they were just growing wild, like flowers.

They were alone, with no one to watch over them.

I could not find it in my heart to leave them forsaken.

I see you have a fine missionary instinct, Joseph.

We must teach you not to apply it to other people's property.

I brought some tea, also, from home.

Would Father welcome a cup?

A cup of tea.

You make me feel very humble indeed.

I have so little that I can share with you.

Father can share with me his privilege to work for God.

- [Hammering] - [Crate Creaking]

- Medicine! - Bandages! Iodine!

"Castor oil" Is it to rub on, Father?

No, no. That's to drink.

Joseph! [Chuckles]

- Not bad. Have some, Father? - No, thanks. I'm not thirsty.

I think you should know, at the sight ofblood, I faint like a woman.

Willie Tulloch.

"Your Holiness." [Chuckles]

"It's amazing how religious you can make a man feel by fixing his bellyache.

"I'm sending all my secrets and a book of instructions.

"Cure what you can and kill what you can't.

"Willie Tulloch, M.D. And heathen.

"P.S. For practicing without a licence, I shall, of course, report you...

"to the British Medical Society, the pope and my Chinese laundryman.

Willie."

[Chattering]

[Arguing In Chinese]

Joseph! Joseph.

- Yes, Father. - [Chinese]

Let me remind you again, Joseph...

that conversion is accomplished through faith and not kidnapping.

Besides, after studying for three weeks, I do not feel up to replacing a human eye.

Perhaps you could pretend to cure me of a broken arm. I could advertise it.

No!

Father is right. That would be dishonest.

Perhaps if I really broke my arm-

I appreciate the lengths to which you're willing to go, Joseph...

but we have need of both your arms as they are.

I cannot say, however, that the outlook is encouraging.

[Woman Coughing]

- A patient. - You drag 'em in, Father, and I'll lock the door.

Come right in, mother.

[Coughing]

That's a bad cough.

Just a moment. Just a moment.

Now, if you'll just drink this down.

[Speaking Cantonese]

- Is she speaking Chinese? - It's Cantonese.

She said the medicine was very good, and she enjoyed it.

Well, tell her she's very welcome.

However, she did not come here for herself, but on account of her granddaughter.

[Chisholm] Then why did she take the medicine?

Because she did not wish to offend you, Father.

[Chuckles]

I appreciate her delicacy.

- Does she know what's wrong with the child? - [Conversing In Cantonese]

[Coughing]

There is nothing the matter with this child that our medicine can help.

Her trouble seems to be that she is a female.

Well, she has that in common with all little girls.

The old woman is going to die very soon...

and she wants your sacred promise that you will care for the girl.

- Are there no other relatives? - None.

She said that if you don't take her, she will be abandoned and alone.

Oh, surely there's someone who'll care for her.

- Why, she's just a baby. - A female baby. No one would want her.

I have told her how much we regret that we cannot accept the child.

Well, you shouldn't have, Joseph.

It's a dream I've cherished ever since I arrived here:

A school at the mission for children.

But there is no mission, Father, and barely home enough for us.

Someday the sisters are going to come-

teach 'em their letters and their catechism... and how to play.

Joseph, tell her that-

tell her that we'll watch over her granddaughter.

[Cantonese]

- Oh, no, please don't do that. - [Cantonese]

Oh, please-Joseph, make them get up. Make them stop.

Tell them they're very welcome, but, please, to stop.

- Please pardon my intrusion. - Come in, please.

Thank you. I am here at the bidding of my cousin, the Mandarin, Mr. Chia.

- You will recall him. - Yes, we were fellow passengers on the boat when I arrived.

I've not had the honor of seeing him since.

He has not been unaware of your presence in Pai Tan.

- I am to ask whether you will accompany me to his house. - May I ask why?

His only son, Chia Yu, lies sick unto death.

Oh, I'm terribly sorry.

My cousin asks that you bring with you all of your... remedies.

Can you tell me what his illness is?

In playing, the boy scratched his thumb... upon no one knows what.

As a consequence, his five elements have been disturbed.

His body burns and grows thin.

The lower humors have gained an ascendency...

and flowed entirely into one arm, distending it and leaving it blue.

It sounds like a very bad infection. Has it been treated?

Three physicians and a Taoist priest are in constant attendance.

- Sacred herbs have been applied. - You must understand that I'm not a trained physician.

L- I treat only the most simple disturbances.

Shen-fu said that he'd come here to do good, and that his blessings were for all alike.

That's true.

My cousin asks only that you bring whatever blessings...

and do whatever good you can.

To the physician and priest already there, you will be a foreign intruder, Father.

- I know. - If anything should happen...

- the responsibility will not be theirs. - I know.

Chia Yu is an only son. His father is a Mandarin.

His power is great and unquestioned.

Joseph, I want you to start praying to St. Andrew the minute I leave.

Don't stop praying until I get back.

- Oh, and, uh, take care of her. - Yes, Father.

Thank you.

I'll want two basins, one of them with boiling water and a cloth.

[Chinese]

Don't be afraid. [Chinese]

[Water Sloshing]

St. Andrew.

[Chinese]

If he should want nourishment, give him a cup of warm soup and nothing else.

No treatments of any kind.

It is my cousin's wish that we do as you say.

It's most unexpected that Shen-fu would cut with a knife into the flesh of a boy.

There was nothing else to do. That arm was filled with corruption.

If it hadn't been removed, it might've spread throughout his whole body.

Let us hope that corruption can be removed by cutting and squeezing.

- Let us hope that everything will be well. - Well, of course. L-

Good-bye, Mr. Pao.

- Good morning, Mr. Pao. - Good morning.

- How's the boy? - Shen-fu will know that better than I.

Well.

You look just fine, Chia Yu.

[Chinese]

Oh, I'll want the basin and some hot water, please.

We can't be certain of anything, of course, but there seems to be little to worry about now.

- I'll stop in again this evening. - I have been instructed...

to thank you and to say it will not be necessary for you to trouble yourself again.

Oh, it's no trouble at all, just a simple matter of changing a dressing.

Even that will no longer be required, thank you.

My cousin Mr. Chia regrets having been incapable...

of expressing his gratitude in person.

His grief has been such that he has chosen not to show it openly.

And now that his son will soon be well...

it is probable Mr. Chia will soon present himself once more in public.

Good day.

Good day, Mr. Pao.

Dear Lord, let me have patience and forbearance where now I have anger.

Give me humility, Lord. After all, it was only thy merciful goodness...

and thy divine providence that saved the boy.

But they are ungrateful, and you know it!

It will seem strange to the doll at first...

to have one leg almost as big as she is altogether.

But like all women, she will soon be convinced that she would not have it otherwise.

- Have you given her a name? - Anna.

"Anna" is your name, because you came to us on the feast day of St. Anna.

But what will you call your doll?

- Anna. - You're becoming a very obstinate little girl.

And besides, you eat too much.

We will call your doll "Victoria."

- Doll Anna! - [Chuckles]

Joseph, you haven't won an argument yet.

This little female is a victim of overeating, Father.

Well, is it possible we have a Sunday afternoon visitor?

Oh, uh, come in, please.

- Thank you. - Eh, will you sit down?

May I take the liberty of telling you who I am?

I know who you are, Mr. Chia.

- Now, may I sit down? - Yes, of course.

To speak of first things first, my only son whose life you saved is well.

Last week he walked with me in the garden.

- This week he is able to run with his friends and play. - I'm very happy to hear that.

For myself, there have been many matters to attend, much business to settle.

But now- now I am here.

Uh, why are you here, Mr. Chia?

Naturally, to become a Christian.

You mea- Have you come to believe in Christianity?

In time, I will no doubt accustom myself to it.

Christianity is not a habit, Mr. Chia. Do you want to become a Christian?

I am here. Is it not therefore apparent that such is my wish?

Not at all. Why are you doing this?

You have done the greatest good for me.

I must now do the greatest good I can for you.

If I as a Mandarin accepted your Christian belief...

all of Pai Tan would follow...

- as inevitably as the day follows the sun. - I'm sorry.

I'm sure that you mean well, Mr. Chia, but you would not be doing good for me.

You do not believe, nor do you desire to believe.

My acceptance of you would be a forgery for God.

Do you mean, you reject me?

Yes, I mean precisely that.

And please, do not feel that I wish ever to make any demands upon your gratitude.

You owe me nothing.

I regret that I am not acceptable.

I understand that this is so because I am unworthy.

Nevertheless, perhaps there will be some way in which l-

- [Door Closes] - Go.

Father realized that he has turned down a Mandarin.

Well, I see no difference between buying a man's soul and...

taking it in exchange for services rendered.

It has occurred to me to ask: Has Shen-fu ever looked or walked upon yonder hill?

Why, yes, often. It's the most beautiful part of the countryside.

The property is large and extent-

more than 60 mous.

It is called "the hill of the brilliant green jade."

- It is mine. - Yes, I gathered as much.

I, uh, could not help but notice that the grounds and buildings of your mission...

- are in a disastrous condition. - We'll manage with God's help.

I would like to help, too, in my humble way.

I beg you to honor me by accepting as the property of your church...

- the hill of the brilliant green jade. - Mr. Chia!

With all land and water rights, and the rights to the clay pit, without restraint, forever.

I beg further that you accept the use of 20 of my workmen...

and the materials to accomplish fully any building you may wish to carry out.

Are you serious?

If I were not, I would be unworthy to look upon my son as his father.

The deeds and legal papers will be delivered to you tomorrow.

Joseph! Joseph!

Joseph! Joseph!

Joseph!

Joseph! Joseph!

My soul doth magnify the Lord...

and my spirit doth rejoice in God, my savior.

For he that is mighty hath done great things to me...

and mighty is his name.

[Monsignor Reading] "Two years of planning and building...

"found my congregation flourishing and my mission nearly completed-

except for the eagerly awaited arrival of the sisters. "