Having become a teacher, Janis Lazdan (Eduard Pavuls) returns to his native Latgale village. In New Gudan, he sees black cassocks everywhere. Nuns sit at the head of his sick mother. The girl Lienite (Asrida Kairish), whom he loves, is dressed in the black robe of a novice. Anton, a childhood friend of Janis, became a priest. Between Janis and Anton, a subtle psychologist, a struggle begins for Andris, a sickly boy, extremely impressionable and gifted. Janis understands that the strength of the church lies in the indifference of unbelievers. He believes in his strength and love for loved ones.
