CHARACTERS:
Father Marini -- A Catholic Priest, 45
Dr. Cabot -- His friend, a doctor, 35
Sandra -- A prostitute, 25 - 35
TIME: The present
SET: A modest sitting room in a church sacristy, two
chairs, a small desk are at center stage
(FATHER MARINI paces as he engages HIS friend, DR. CABOT, in serious discussion. MARINI has a slight but noticeable limp, wincing from an occasional spasm caused by HIS back condition)
MARINI
...and each one shows no signs of their former afflictions?
CABOT
None. Total cure.
MARINI
And you inquired discreetly?
CABOT
Please, Father Marini. I know what we’re dealing with here. I left not a crumb, nothing that would seem even slightly out of the realm of your average, typical medical exchanges between doctors.
MARINI
And you’re sure that no one...
CABOT
Doctors, as you have reminded me only too often, don’t travel the religious avenues of approach to medicine. We leave the praying to you, preferring to write prescriptions, cut and stitch, and enjoy our beautiful homes in the suburbs. Shall I bring her in?
MARINI
Yes, and tell her there’s nothing to be afraid of.
(CABOT leaves and soon returns with SANDRA)
CABOT
This is Sandra, Father Marini.
MARINI
Please sit, my child.
(SANDRA does so as CABOT starts to exit)
No, please stay, Dr. Cabot.
CABOT
If you wish.
MARINI
Sandra, do you have anything to say that will help me... us... understand your situation.
SANDRA
Who’s “us?”
MARINI (Assuringly)
Just myself and Dr. Cabot.
SANDRA
Didn’t he tell you what happens?
(CABOT nods affirmatively)
MARINI
Yes, but I’m sure you realize that all of this is beyond... these healings are not... (Winces) anything that can be filed away in some folder and labeled “Over-the-top Miracles.”
SANDRA
In almost every sermon Pastor Hughes delivered he would say, “God works in mysterious ways.”
MARINI (Crosses himself reverently)
That he did, bless his soul. I didn’t know you were such a faithful churchgoer.
SANDRA (Insulted)
Because I’m a hooker?
(SHE looks to CABOT, starts to exit)
I knew this wasn’t a good idea, Dr. Cabot.
CABOT
Don’t leave. Father Marini is the only one who can help you, Sandra.
MARINI
I’m sorry. Please...
SANDRA
Just don’t be so quick to throw stones, okay?
MARINI
Well stated. You asked to be placed in a secretarial position at a small parish in New Mexico.
SANDRA
Yes, Saint Bernadette’s. I feel that I was chosen to serve, in some way or another. I can begin a new life. Nobody will know me there, know what I’ve done. All I want is something like that FBI witness protection thing.
MARINI
I’m very grateful for this sacrifice you’re making. I’m sure I can arrange something with the diocese in that area without disclosing... Dr. Cabot?
CABOT
Yes, I can offer some medical recommendation for climate or whatever. I just wish I didn’t feel that we were righting a wrong. All she did was heal a few sick people. Where’s the sin in that?
MARINI
The healing isn’t, but the way in which the healing is performed leaves no room for argumentation, my friend. Fornication for purposes other than procreation is an act that, miracle healing or not, the Vatican will never recognize as heavenly blessed.
SANDRA
There will be no more miracles, Father, I promise.
MARINI
I believe you, Sandra. And I will...(Winces) ...pray for you at every Mass I serve.
SANDRA
Before I go... Doctor Cabot, can you give me a minute with Father Marini?
CABOT
Of course. (HE exits) I’ll wait for you downstairs.
SANDRA
If you want, Father, I can fix your bad back.
(BLACKOUT)