This film is dedicated to
Aurore Gagnon, Joseph Gagnon, Lucina Gagnon
and to the 100 million children
who each year fall victim to human insanity...
Mommy, who's that lady?
She's St Philomène.
She's beautiful!
When she was 13,
St Philomène met a prince.
She was so beautiful, he wanted to marry her.
But Philomène said no.
She'd promised her life to God to help the poor.
The prince was so angry,
he had her locked up in prison
and tortured her so she'd die.
Because she wouldn't marry him?
But Philomène prayed so hard,
two angels disguised as birds came and healed
all her wounds.
When the prince saw, he had her beheaded.
The Lord loved her so much, he made her a saint.
Now, if we need something,
we pray to her and God grants our wish.
She suffered so much, he can't refuse her anything.
You asked for me?
Oh, yes.
Now then... You're leaving...
for Ste-Philomène-de-Fortierville.
Pardon?
I know it isn't the Vatican, but surely it's important
simple people profit from your learning?
How will my years of theology and philosophy
help the farmers of Ste-Philomène... where?
De-Fortierville, dear boy.
Father Grondin is sick,
and to replace him, we thought of you.
And the Vatican? I was promised!
You know, the Vatican...
it's already crowded.
It's war, my friend.
Those poor farmers need someone of your stature
as their shepherd.
And what shall I tell those poor farmers?
That the assassination of Ferdinand was an error
and France's pact with Russia is satanic?
It would be a mistake to insist, my lad.
You are going to Ste-Philomène-de-Fortierville.
If you don't like it, you can always enlist in the army.
The truth is,
I'm a thorn in your side.
You hate those who think,
who question the status quo.
You prefer servile priests intent only on replacing you.
I'm not of their ilk.
We shall go no more into the woods The laurel bushes lie cut
The pretty lass will gather them all
Come join the dance See how we prance
- What's this, Aurore? - I’m sorting them.
Why?
You can't bunch them up.
If it's a bouquet, you don't see each flower.
Lucina, George, come see!
Mommy, am I pretty?
You're pretty as a picture.
Thanks, Télesphore.
Aurore, come see.
I don't need to, I know what I look like.
Hurry, kids, or we'll be late.
Do you know you're my sunshine?
Of course I do, you keep telling me.
Forgive me.
I’m so sorry.
Daddy, stop, I have to sort my flowers.
OK, kids, beat it!
What a lovely surprise!
Napoléon,
this is Marie-Anne.
Marie-Anne, meet Marie-Anne.
You said she was pretty.
But look at her. She takes your breath away.
- It's embarrassing, Ma'am. - Ma'am? Do I look that old?
Let's go see the barn for a minute.
Longer than that.
Fine with me, I need a change of air.
Some women have it all!
Come on in.
Marie-Jeanne, mind the others.
Don't worry, they can't go far.
What do you think?
Say when, I'll build you a barn.
Is it a good idea? It'll only add to our load.
I give birth and, oops, I’m pregnant again.
One baby after another.
How will we manage 20 more cows?
Specially seeing how frail Napoléon is.
I think we should sell this place,
move near you, to Ste-Philomène.
Families are meant to help each other.
And this war has me worried, too.
What if Europe invades us?
Besides, I’m not even sure which side we're on.
I say war was invented by rich folks
so they can get even richer.
Marie-Anne!
Poor boy. A skunk sprayed him so I locked him in the barn.
We'll rub him with tomatoes.
I did, but he likes sleeping in the barn. What can I do?
Come on.
Let's eat.
I know he's your cousin,
but I don't like that woman.
She makes my flesh crawl.
You don't lock up your son because a skunk sprayed him!
Imagine!
Everyone knows to use tomatoes.
I think she has spunk. Napoléon's health is failing.
He didn't kneel at the altar!
Be seated.
My dear brethren of the Parish of Ste-Philomène,
whose virtues I've yet to discover...
On the train from Quebec City, crossing this immense land,
its many steeples testifying to our faith and courage,
I felt a sense of...
pride.
Yes, pride in our heritage and our homeland,
in the devotion of a people to their God and Church.
He speaks so well!
I see a brief aside is in order.
Those wishing to speak in church
may no longer exercise that right, assuming they ever had it.
Pride, as I was saying...
It looks like TB.
Looks like?
Is it or isn't it?
I fear it is. She has a very deep cough.
Deep? Well I cough too sometimes.
I cough all morning long.
She's stronger than you think.
If it takes three stoves to heat the house, so be it.
Chopping wood doesn't scare me.
Télesphore...
you'll only make her worse.
I won't let her go.
Can you understand that?
The Gagnons and Carons can beat any illness.
My wife doesn't cough more than others.
It's winter. In winter people cough.
Last summer she didn't cough. You see?
Spring's coming, things will be fine.
Mommy, I can skate!
Let's try turning.
You're pregnant. Think of the baby.
You'll get better in the hospital.
Aurore and Marie-Jeanne will love it at Mom and Dad's.
Sévrine will take George and Lucina, she adores kids.
You'll see, next year you'll have us all over for Christmas.
Mommy, why are you crying?
Can't you find the moon?
Yes, that's right.
Come on,
we'll find it.
You can't see it now,
but it's just behind those clouds.
You'll be lost in that big house.
I’ll manage.
You can't boil water.
Your mom will help with cooking.
She can't wear those here.
I’m scared I’ll never come back.
If you talk like that you won't.
Admit that you're scared too.
Show your feelings for once.
You don't have to be strong.
I’m not scared. I’m not scared, Marie-Anne.
But I can't raise four kids alone.
I’m lost, is all. I’m lost.
All I know is work. Alone, I go stir crazy.
That's what scares me.
All I want is to see our child born.
Rosaire, pull on the rope, it'll fall!
Victor, that's in the way.
Charles, we'll trip on that!
Joseph!
Mr. Gagnon, may I have a word?
Now's not the time.
I don't see you very often at Mass.
I’ve been busy, Father.
The chores, the meals to cook. It never stops.
An hour a week won't change much.
I pray in bed, just as good.
I hardly know you, but I sense something's wrong.
Something wrong?
What could it be?
I had a wife and four kids, Father.
A house full of life.
Wrong? Things have never been better.
I see.
And you're the only one in this situation?
Lotbinière is crowded with widows and orphans.
They still manage to attend Mass.
Good for them.
''Irony so sterile and gloomy.''
The logic of cowards.
Confront adversity, accept the unacceptable,
hold your head high in adversity. That is man's glory.
Father, I’m a builder, I work with my hands.
Need a barn? I’m your man.
My wife is dying, my kids are boarded out.
So I’ll say my prayers alone.
If you don't mind, that is.
Look at him, slaving away.
And no one to keep his belly full.
Well now,
this is a nice surprise.
Poor 'Poléon! Imagine, double pneumonia!
A single pneumonia will do you in.
What makes it double?
Simple pneumonia, you cough.
Double, you cough twice as loud, twice as long.
I heard about your wife.
Right.
You'd best keep away.
I seem to attract bad luck.
I lost four of mine.
Four, plus my husband!
Only my eldest are left.
Two fine boys who pull their weight.
Maybe I’ll help out around the presbytery.
I should be a missionary.
I was made to comfort lonely souls.
That's the hardest part, I bet.
What is?
If you could, you'd lift my petticoats, in a minute.
In a second.
Sorry, forgive me.
Don't apologize, it's normal.
Poor Marie-Anne's been away for months.
It's hard, doing without. For me, anyway.
I thought it was me.
If God gave me the liking for it,
he must expect me to indulge a bit, too.
I won't have it!
I’m not dead yet.
I won't allow my cousin's kids to starve.
You care for hers, but what about your own?
I don't like that woman.
Hearing her name, I think of her poor son in the barn.
Calm down, you'll kill yourself.
Let's forget it.
Please, not so loud.
Those germs are very resistant.
The doctor told me: Burn everything!
I hear we're in for a fine winter.
Expecting visitors for Christmas?
Yes, but not from around here.
It's always a treat, seeing new faces.
As long as they go back.
Who knows what illnesses they'll bring.
Yes?
Put this on Télesphore Gagnon's bill.
My dear lady, I can't do that.
I don't know you.
Anyone can buy something here,
''Put it on so-and-so's bill.'' Easy.
Remember old Mrs. Thivierge?
Puts $80 worth of goods on her husband's bill.
How was I to know he'd died, wasn't even buried?
Did I ever get paid?
Living with her must've done him in.
Télesphore hired me to help out on the farm.
Ask Mr. Lemay. Right, Arcadius?
You know I’m helping out.
You're always smiling at me.
That so, 'Cadius?
That's me, call me Mr. Smiles.
I even grin at my two mares. So...
Funny, I never thought Télesphore
was the kind for perfume.
Buying flour on credit's one thing, but perfume...
Know what I mean?
Or is it for his soup?
He likes it when it smells good.
Right, like we were saying...
Two bottles come to $3. - $1.25 and $1.15.
That makes...
- $2.40. - Right.
Sorry.
Thanks.
Goodbye.
Didn't I tell you?
His wife's in hospital and she moves in.
Who do you think scrubs his back in the tub?
He doesn't wash, she perfumes him.
And the priest?
He'd say mind our own business.
She may be from out of town and smell like heaven,
he may be under her spell, it's not our business.
It may interest us,
but it's none of our business.
Not to speak ill of anyone, but...
as Justice of the Peace, if I don't know what's going on,
I can't mete out justice.
On what?
The peace.
That's why it's called Justice of the Peace.
My baby!
I want to see my baby!
I’m working. What do you want?
Can't a guy work?
It's cold.
I’ll warm you up.
Daddy!
What a surprise! Come here, honey!
Hello.
My cousin, Marie-Anne Houde.
Cousin by marriage.
Hello.
Here's your newborn, Joseph.
Here...
Why, just look at him!
He's so handsome.
There you go.
One more man around the house, right?
Yes or no,
is Marie-Anne Houde living in my house?
No, I tell you.
You don't know that woman.
She's a demon.
She locked her child in the barn.
Money's all she cares about.
They say she killed Napoléon.
Calm down.
A cousin's allowed to visit.
There's nobody else at home.
Think she says the Rosary with him, Dad?
You're imagining things.
Your medicine's getting you all mixed up.
Zilda told me the other day.
She's there, but nothing's going on.
Télesphore would never do that.
Zilda didn't tell me, Dad.
My children! Keep her away
from my children!
Marie-Anne, don't!
Marie-Anne's helping out here.
Is that why her clothes are in your bedroom?
Do I pry into your private life?
She's my cousin.
If I hire her to help, it's nobody's business.
I never asked you for anything.
Never asked?
For months we've minded your kids because you won't.
Is this our thanks?
Know what it costs to keep your daughter in hospital?
I don't print money, so I have to work.
I can't even count on you for help.
Is there a problem here?
I promised Arzélie not to fight.
But I’m warning you, don't let me see you in town.
I may not be able to control my fist.
You scoundrel!
We must clear up your situation.
Your wife is ill.
You live with your late cousin's wife.
You're raising her children,
but not your own.
I’ll send her away if you like.
That's not what I said.
You'll go see your wife in hospital.
And arrange to take back your kids by fall.
Then we'll calmly discuss the next step.
It's a 3-day journey to visit my wife, Father.
I have work to do,
cows to feed.
As Rousseau said,
''Neither poverty nor work excuses a father
from feeding and raising his children.''
Remember, my friend,
Parishioners consult me regularly
before using your services.
So far I’ve never objected.
She's been moved.
Charles!
You've come for me.
Is the war over?
Can we go home now?
My sister's mean.
She didn't come on my birthday.
She tried to cut off her ring finger.
You haven't visited much.
Aurore, c'mon. Daddy's taking us home.
Quick, he's in a hurry.
It's not too heavy?
Look after the younger kids.
Don't worry, Grandma.
I don't want to leave.
Nonsense!
Children belong with their parents.
You'll visit us often.
Aurore!
We have to get Lucina and George.
Come on!
Go on.
Here we go. You've gotten so big!
What happened?
This is Mom's chest.
The place seemed bigger before.
The bust of St Philomène is gone!
Who?
St Philomène. Dad put it up there.
The smell's different.
Look at these gorgeous girls. My, how they've grown!
- Remember Marie-Jeanne? - Of course I remember!
And Aurore...
Just look at her!
She's as pretty as her mom.
Say thank you for the compliment.
Thank you.
Lucina, this is George.
You remember my two boys?
This is Joseph, your mother's last.
Boys, take this up. I’ll get the rest.
Girls, we have to talk.
Come along, kids.
We don't always know what life has in store.
You choose someone, thinking it's forever.
But that's not what happens.
Is she replacing Mom?
No one can replace your mom.
My cousin's helping.
Will her boys be staying long?
Yeah, for a while.
Let me ask you another way. Yes or no?
Is Mom coming back?
No.
She's too sick.
I’m also sad your mom's not coming back.
It's not true.
I know it suits you fine.
What do you mean?
You never loved Mom!
Maybe Grampa let you talk like that,
but I won't have it, understand?
Is Mom dead?
Is she dead?
No, she's not dead.
Then why'd you move her things out?
And why is your cousin in your room?
Why are her boys sleeping in our beds?
Mom's not dead, but you act like she was.
You know nothing about this.
And it's none of your business.
I saw you kissing her,
your cousin!
You should know better than to spy!
Dad, I’ll handle this.
What's with you?
I’ll go see Mom and tell her what's going on.
She won't recognize you.
Mom's not all there.
Dear Mom,
everyone says you're too sick for us to visit.
I don't have to see you to know I’m still in your heart.
Did I tell you I like butterflies?
Butterflies are beautiful.
Besides, they love flowers.
And flowers love you.
Every day the birds come to tell me you're alright.
I listen to them sing.
Their music reminds me how much you and I love each other.
I don't know if I’ll ever see you again.
Remember, whatever happens, I’ll always be your ray of sunshine.
And I’ll take you by the hand to show you the moon like I used to.
Ask St Philomène to watch over us.
I think we're going to need it.
I love you.
Your daughter, Aurore.
Don't cry, Aurore.
It makes you feel worse.
If you listen, you'll hear Mom.
Hold me tight.
We remember Marie-Anne Caron, a devoted mother loved by all,
who, despite her illness, never stopped believing in prayer
and the Holy Virgin.
Our thoughts go out to Télesphore and his children,
Marie-Jeanne, Aurore, Lucina, George and Joseph.
May the Lord be with them.
A red dress to my daughter's Mass...
You have no heart!
Forget it, Arzélie.
We no longer know them.
Pay no attention.
Shall we come to the point?
Let's have done with it.
Marie-Anne, daughter of Trefflé Houde,
widowed in the Parish of Ste-Sophie,
do you take as be your husband
Télesphore, son of Gédéon Gagnon and Louise Lord?
I do.
Télesphore, do you take as your wife Marie-Anne-Houde?
Why can I never say no to you?
I’ll show you why you'd better say yes!
I don't listen much to gossip,
but I know some townsfolk say that...
Well, with Lucina and Joseph's deaths...
You know...
Lucina, who ate raw potatoes...
Eating raw potatoes is dangerous.
And Joseph, who'd always been frail...
He'd always wake up in a panic.
People can say what they want about me.
But when they say I hurt those children, I won't have it.
What others think is of no concern to me.
Truth is not of this world.
God alone knows.
Why not say I killed Marie-Anne too?
Do you smell lavender?
It's not lavender, it's my perfume.
What a fine bunch of cud-chewers!
Hello.
What can I get you?
Three sacks of coal.
You'll have to pay first.
What do you mean? I always pay my bills.
Fulgence, give him a sack.
- No, three. - I’m short, I only have one.
What can I do? - OK, alright.
Death seems to be stalking your place.
Yeah, right.
How's that stranger from Ste-Sophie?
Why are you asking?
No reason.
Just wondering how she's getting on.
Must smell good at home, with all that scented water.
Yeah, not like your place, Adjutor!
At least my soul's not blackened with dirt.
My conscience is easy.
Not everyone can say that.
First your wife, then the two kids... Strange.
Stop it right now!
I won't have that here.
You'll pay me next time.
What's with you?
The kids' deaths, I don't buy it.
She chokes on a potato, he's smothered in bed.
You think that, I think that,
the entire village thinks it.
But it won't bring them back.
No one batted an eyelash.
You're Justice of the Peace.
What do you mean by that?
What's it supposed to mean?
It's my fault they're dead? Go on, say it's my fault!
That Marie-Anne's dead too?
That's not what he meant. Don't get mad, Oréus!
Am I mad?
I’m not mad.
I’m perfectly calm.
So calm in fact that...
I’m closing the store, for no reason at all.
Fulgence, lock up and kick everyone out!
And don't come back for a week!
You understand? Beat it!
Me, not calm? I’m not mad.
Hell on high!
I’m so calm it makes me edgy!
Don't mind them, they're only jealous.
They can't accept that I’m from out of town.
You're nothing if you're not a local.
Come on!
I’m not crazy, Télesphore.
Someone even went to Ste-Sophie to ask about me.
People criticize, but when they need a hand they turn to me.
When they need a loan, I’m their friend.
You lend people money?
If someone's down on their luck and you can help...
That's very generous, you work hard for it.
I can live with what they say, but you...
Don't you worry about me.
No sweat off my back.
If you want to worry, worry about Aurore.
What's with Aurore?
I don't know how to say it...
She's strange.
She talks to herself, always seems in a daze.
I try so hard to make her life easier.
She doesn't care.
Aurore, well...
It's hard to explain.
It might be the liquor...
When we begat her, Marie-Anne and l...
we'd been drinking. A bit too much.
And then we... did things
I never thought I'd do. I was unbridled.
Each time I see Aurore, I remember...
that night.
You, go to sleep!
Say hello to Father.
Hello, Father.
It's the most absolute pleasure.
An absolute can't be more absolute.
- That's not what I meant. - Yes it is.
Sit down.
Why did God create you?
All together, go on.
God created me to know, love and serve Him in this world
and to be happy with Him forever in heaven.
How many sins are there?
There are two kinds of sins, mortal sins and venial sins.
What is the purpose of the fear of God?
The gift of fearing God inspires a greater horror of sin.
We must obey and serve...
Whom must we obey and serve?
Or what?
Someone? Something?
Perhaps the Catechism you have is different from ours?
Does it have a fifth commandment?
The fifth commandment of God?
Ever heard of God?
I wasn't talking to you!
I don't like shouting.
Missy doesn't like the priest's tone.
Should I be speaking with kid gloves?
What is so hard about learning the Catechism?
Even if I prompt you, you still can't finish...
She was begotten in liquor and lust.
Télesphore is hot-blooded, you know.
- How do you know this? - He told me.
He feels guilty.
It's not my business, yet I have to raise her.
Quite.
She's a child of sin, Father.
She's a child of sin.
When you're begotten in liquor, it forever runs in your veins.
She's not like us.
Don't exaggerate, Mrs. Gagnon.
Liquor isn't a virus.
Liquor is the devil, Father.
As you surely know.
The devil, Satan, Lucifer are only quaint representations of evil.
I’m certainly not an iconomach, but...
liquor is far more a moral issue.
We mustn't see it as...
Drink will always be drink.
It blinds us to reason and leads us astray.
My duty is to lead their family back to God's fold.
It is the parents' duty to provide
for their children and correct their failings.
The Catechism, chapter 35, number 421.
''The rod drives foolishness from the child's heart.''
Proverbs, chapter 22, verse 15.
Though Voltaire said, ''Every evil
begets some good.''
Come with me.
Move it, faster!
Get in there! Get in!
So little missy insulted the priest?
Let go!
Stop whining and listen when I’m talking.
You won't start that again.
As of today, I’m the boss here, understand?
It's starting again.
Sure, she's pregnant.
George Gagnon, go to sleep!
She's crazy.
She insulted the priest,
told him not to shout, and you don't care?
What should we do?
If you want our kids to be one family, I’ll have to manage them.
Someone has to look after them.
Fine, then. You look after them.
Fine.
Good.
That's that.
Come here.
We'll be happy.
We shall go no more into the woods,
The laurel bushes lie cut.
The pretty girl we see,
shall we let her dance?
Look, Aurore and Marie-Jeanne!
Marguerite!
How's my big girl?
Fine. Hold me tight!
You're pretty as a bride.
'Cause I am one.
You smell of flowers, just like Mom.
Want to go for a walk?
So you mean I stink like dandelions?
Yes!
How's your dad?
He works all the time.
He leaves before we get up and returns when we're asleep.
What happened with Lucina and Joseph?
We can tell each other everything.
Was your stepmom minding them?
She's often sick.
Why?
Childbirth doesn't agree with her.
Her brother says pregnancy doesn't suit her.
She had meningitis at 16. He said it affected her mind.
Can't you knock?
Before entering my own house?
Don't talk back. Show your mother some respect!
My mother is dead.
Don't give me any lip!
Good Lord in Heaven!
Didn't you hear, or are you pretending?
Not my business.
I’ll go see.
Zilda, mind your own business! Stay here!
My business? Do you want her killing another child?
If I poke my nose in, Télesphore will break it.
So you're scared of Télesphore?
What if she criticized your pies?
You're comparing a child's life to my pies?
Zilda, mind your business!
If it's not my business, it's not yours!
I can't stand that woman! I can't stand her, okay?
That's enough. End of discussion.
Go home, do whatever needs doing.
I’m going over!
Zilda Lemay!
Zilda Lemay, what did I tell you?
Go home now! Get going!
Damn, my lunch basket!
Where's Aurore?
She's sick.
I’ll stay with her.
If you don't mind.
No, just pull up the gate.
Another whim!
Gee-yap!
Aurore!
- Well? - I searched, they're not here.
- They're gone. - Those girls!
I’ve had it with her!
Gee-yap! Move it!
Mom, I can't go on.
Help me!
Aurore?
- Have you seen my girls? - No, why?
If you see them, bring them home.
Gee-yap!
You can be sure I’ll keep them.
Don't start up!
They were better off with their mom, bless her.
Anyone would've been.
Get upstairs.
Upstairs!
Well, she sure asked for it.
Why'd you do it? Why?
Why do you behave like that? Why?
You listen!
The deathly screams from that house...
They make my blood curdle!
It's none of our business.
It's never our business.
We let two die, do we keep closing our eyes?
Arcadius is right, it's none of our business.
The priest should handle that.
I told him three times in confession. He does nothing.
''Mrs. Lemay, you don't have the whole story.''
I’ll go over there, grab her by the collar,
and bring'em up myself.
More hot air from that old windbag!
Anyway,
we have a Justice of the Peace, not only a priest.
Finally!
Anyone else want to add their two cents?
- What happened? - Some bullies...
Will you two do me the pleasure
of leaving? I asked you
to bring her. It's her I want to see.
Come on...
Get out!
- Now! - Alright.
The whole truth.
Just the truth.
Listen to me, Aurore.
You don't have to hide things from me.
Tell me exactly what happened.
- The Bédard boys... - Aurore!
Tell me the truth.
I’m a Justice of the Peace. No need to be scared.
I’ll protect you, OK?
It was the Bédard boys. I was taunting them.
It was the Bédard boys, Mr. Judge.
It was them, I swear.
It was my fault.
Then they'll go to jail.
Don't cry.
It's OK, I’ll take care of you.
She won't eat, she's obstreperous...
Even Télesphore's had it. She won't listen.
Really?
I won't let a child walk over me.
Of course not.
I want you to take her to hospital.
Not tomorrow. Not today, now!
Take her to Quebec City, fast.
So, it was the Bédard boys?
It looks like she was hit with an ice pick.
Calm down.
You may be the Justice,
you've no right to interfere.
I know what's going on.
Lucina and Joseph were no accidents.
You got away with them, but never again, you hear?
Is that a lump under your pillow?
It's chocolate!
I get the feeling you're not telling the whole truth.
If you stepped on a nail, your calf wouldn't be swollen.
Can you call to ask if the Bédard boys are in prison?
Why would they be?
Because of what I told the judge.
It's not their fault, really. It's mine.
Do birds ever come to the window?
Sometimes, yes.
I think that someone smashed your foot.
Am I wrong?
Dear Mom, I’m writing because I miss you all so much.
My foot is getting better.
I don't want the Bédards to be sent to jail.
I hope you're not too sick to come fetch me.
I miss you all. I can't wait to see you. Aurore
Father Leduc says that she's a born fibber.
Shunted from mother to grandmother...
She's afraid, that's why she lies.
Do you think Father Leduc, so well-read and eloquent,
so kind... that he could be wrong?
Would you like a confirmation of what I’ve said
from Father Leduc himself?
Come along.
Sounds like a peg-leg pirate.
Aurore, hurry, the priest's waiting.
Did you put in your glass eye?
Well, the hospital sure didn't cure her
above the ears.
Let me by!
Real smart.
Try that on me. I can defend myself.
You don't scare me.
Calm down.
- Hold it! - Let go of me!
You're not the boss here, young lady.
Keep resisting me, you'll be sorry.
I’m not Aurore. I’ll hit you back.
Say that again!
You don't scare me.
Go inside.
Move it!
Good. We'll put things in order here.
So you told the good nuns all manner of tales?
Lying is a very serious sin.
You know what a sin is?
There are two kinds of sins, mortal and venial. Mortal sins...
No need to recite the entire catechism.
You won't submit to authority.
You're stubborn, you're not like other children.
I can't be like them because I’m not like them.
Really, now?
How are you different?
Like snowflakes are.
When you tell people a fib,
do you realize, or do you refuse to admit it,
like with the nuns?
I never lied, especially not to Sister Anna.
Do you think you're not lying, or you're unconscious of lying?
Answer me.
Sometimes I lie,
like about the Bédard boys, but it's not really...
See, you're lying.
You've been through a lot, you lost your mother,
but you mustn't lie,
especially not in confession.
I’m in no rush, let's talk about lying.
All I know is, I’ve done nothing.
I feel all alone.
Even with other people I feel alone.
I want to join my mother.
That's all I’m asking.
Just where are you going?
You look after your daughter, I’m at my wit's end.
She lies to the priest,
runs off after confessing...
Don't I have enough worries?
She's your girl, look after her.
It's not my business.
Don't use that tone of voice with me!
She's not my girl.
- I’d raise her differently. - Right!
When there are problems, suddenly she's my daughter.
When there are problems? Listen to you!
With her there are always problems, you know that!
She's her mother's daughter.
What will I tell the priest?
She stole them from church.
Do you know what they are? Gold clips
from the Holy Altar! Now she's stealing
from the vestry!
Télesphore, we'll be the shame of the village.
She runs away, throws herself under trains,
she lies to the priest,
steals gold clips, and you say,
Don't bother me!
Well, I never thought I’d see him again.
- Am I disturbing? - Nah.
- Like one? - No.
I can't stay long, Arzélie's not well.
Tell me this,
why didn't you keep those kids with you?
The priest refused.
You have to do something, Oréus.
If I didn't control myself,
Arzélie'd be exhausted from restraining me.
If it were me, the bastard would be dead!
- Bastard? - Télesphore!
Télesphore, right.
He'll kill them all.
You're the law, only you can help.
Do something, or I will.
I know it all stinks, Nérée, everyone knows.
But everyone's afraid of Télesphore.
People owe him money.
He's repaired a fence here, fixed a roof there,
dug someone a well, raised a barn...
The salt of the earth! Such a nice man!
Everyone owes Télesphore Gagnon something, Nérée.
Everyone.
My daughter's marriage contract.
It's why those two kids died,
and the rest of them will too.
Marie-Jeanne, get your sister for supper.
It doesn't matter, Aurore.
In my heart you're the prettiest.
Come eat.
I’m not hungry.
I’m cold.
It will warm you up.
She's waiting. You'll just make it worse.
I’m scared.
Several of us worry about Aurore.
She's not in school, never goes out. Some say...
Hearsay, Mr. Mailhot. Mere hearsay!
They're good parents. Why, they took her to hospital.
Only because I ordered them to, Father.
Look, the wedding contract.
It's in her interest for the kids to die.
Each time one dies, the scented lady gets richer.
What are we going to do with you?
Aurore is no angel.
They still can't treat her like an animal.
With two dead already, they're hiding something.
If you thought their deaths were crimes,
why didn't you hold an inquest? You're the Justice.
Exactly, and the JP is here to open your eyes.
He's started his inquest and he'd love to name you
in his report if you refuse to help.
Won't the Bishop like that!
Perfect.
What I hate about your kind is,
you really believe you're speaking for God.
One day He'll visit your big churches
and drive you out like the money lenders and false priests.
Mr. Mailhot, please!
Question: What are the duties of a mother and father?
Answer:
Mothers and fathers must meet their children's needs,
to raise them as Christians, and to correct their failings.
Children must never forget
that their parents have a strict duty
to correct their failings.
They must never complain when they receive a correction,
however unpleasant it may be.
By correcting their children, parents prove
the veritable love they owe them.
How do you punish a child who angers his parents
or fails them in their needs?
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art Thou among women, and Jesus...
Mom, stop! It smells too bad.
The girl hasn't eaten in 2 days.
She eats in the afternoon. At night she prefers to sleep.
Marie-Jeanne, take your sister upstairs.
Aurore, the boys mustn't see you naked.
It's her skin condition.
You exaggerate, she can barely stand.
I exaggerate?
You say that to me?
You beat her with an axe handle and I exaggerate.
You asked me to.
I never said to beat her with an axe handle.
We're both in the same boat.
You can't manage her any better.
You hit her as much as I do, with no results.
- Where are you going? - To milk.
You just did it.
Mrs. Gagnon?
Marie-Anne?
Anybody home?
Aurore?
Are you there, Aurore?
How can I help you?
I have witnesses who saw her!
Lay charges privately.
Sure, then if they're found not guilty, I have to pay the costs.
The priest turns a blind eye. He refuses to act.
And dissuades others.
Father Leduc.
Hello, Father.
This is Crown Prosecutor Fitzpatrick in Quebec City calling.
Hello, sir.
I’m here with Justice of the Peace Mélot.
Mailhot! Oréus Mailhot, he knows me.
Judge Mélhot and I were discussing paying a visit
to Aurore Gagnon.
Do you have any objections?
Not at all.
Is there a problem?
She was beaten, she may not survive.
Mrs. Gagnon, it appears that your child Aurore is extremely ill.
You haven't sought the help of a doctor,
or our offices, as the Church requires for those facing death.
We hope you will assure us this is exaggerated,
that you care for your spouse's children like your own,
especially Aurore, who, though difficult to raise,
as you've stated, deserves
the same treatment as her siblings,
and all the more as Providence has been less generous to her.
If the Holy Bible recommends firmness towards children,
it also counsels, ''Provoke not your children.''
We expect, as the good Christian you are,
you will call on us without delay if your daughter
appears to be dying.
Respectfully yours, Father Antoine Leduc.
Well, this is a surprise!
You, get out of my way!
No, you stay here.
Oh, my God!
I didn't want to marry him.
Télesphore insisted I come live here.
I’ve lost four of my own.
I have three left.
Imagine, three. Plus Télesphore's three kids.
And Aurore.
That's her skin condition.
I never met such an awful child as her.
A real demon.
Just ask the priest.
She's a child of sin,
begotten in liquor and lust.
No wonder her mother died young.
Marie-Anne Houde, shut up! Not another word!
I don't care who said what to who.
I’ve had it with all your crap!
I don't want to listen to you anymore!
All I want is silence!
Silence!
What's going on?
Go upstairs, you'll see.
It's over.
Look who's here!
The Vatican's executioner!
- Mr. Mailhot, I pray... - Don't!
Don't you dare pray to me.
You must be happy now. One more Mass to say.
You and your damned book learning!
Such language, Mr. Mailhot. Control yourself.
Goddamned altar-licking, incense-stinking curate!
You godforsaken ecclesiastical scoundrel fake!
You know-nothing bookish hypocrite!
That any better?
If you like.
We agree.
As Justice, you have a responsibility to Parishioners.
What about your responsibility?
Priests are never responsible. With you, it's destiny.
The will of God.
Tell me, does God enjoy burning people up there?
No, that's right, they burn in hell.
Hell! That's what the poor girl suffered, Father.
Hell!
Did you see her?
Our man of the faith was too busy with his philosophy books
and his idle chitchat
with people in his confessional.
But...
I never wanted to come here, Oréus.
Never.
I’m not a priest.
I’m an intellectual, a thinker.
All my life I dreamed of the Vatican.
Going there to meditate on the Church's role.
What do I care about the confessional and penance and Rosaries?
I’m not a practitioner, Oréus, I’m a theoretician.
What am I doing in a town of farmers?
What am I doing here? Me!
Father,
an hour earlier and we might've saved her.
An hour!
Instead an eternity of remorse
awaits me - and you! Because this is your fault!
This is all your fault! And I say so!
Nérée...
You two are needed
in the vestry to sign the death certificate.
Télesphore Gagnon and Marie-Anne Houde,
by virtue of my powers I am arresting you
concerning the murder of Aurore Gagnon.
Over the past few days,
testimony has continued to...
to reach us here,
every living soul.
Is it useful to ask what might have been?
We were taken in.
Yes, taken in.
Ste-Philomène, our town, did not deserve this.
Right after this sermon we must begin to forget.
This huge stain on our Parish's honor,
we must bury it so it forever disappears
from our collective memory.
l, for one,
I’ll never forget!
Marie-Anne was sentenced to be hanged.
Under public pressure, 2 days before her execution,
the Justice Minister commuted her sentence
to life imprisonment.
After serving 15 years in jail,
she was released for health reasons.
She died in Montreal several months later
of breast and brain cancer.
Télesphore got life imprisonment for manslaughter.
After 5 years he was released for good behavior.
13 years after Aurore's death
he wrote a last letter to Marie-Anne
who was still in jail.
My dear spouse,
my last two letters have gone unanswered.
If you don't reply now, I won't write again.
There's too much work for one man.
I need your help.
I still imagine you returning home.
The thought is driving me mad.
I am convinced you'll be freed.
Everyone makes mistakes, me more than anyone.
I pray for you fervently.
I end with a kiss, looking forward to a real kiss on your pale lips.
Your husband who doesn't forget you.