In the fall of 1980, four nuns from a small village vanished without a clue, casting their devoted community into a haze of sorrow and uneasy rumors

«‘I never stopped looking, never stopped praying. «‘A ghost of a smile touched her cracked lips. «‘I knew you wouldn’t.

«‘I told Beatrice. «‘God would send you to us some day. «‘I’m so sorry it took so long,’ Father Elias said, his voice breaking.

«‘Sister Teresa shook her head slightly. «‘God’s timing. «‘Perfect.

«‘Always perfect.’ The nurse touched Father Elias’s shoulder, indicating his visit needed to end. He nodded in understanding. «‘I’ll be right outside,’ he promised his sister.

«‘I won’t leave the hospital. «‘We have so much to talk about when you’re stronger.’ «‘Tell me one thing,’ Sister Teresa whispered as he prepared to leave. «‘The Church.

«‘Is it still strong?’ Father Elias smiled beneath his mask. «‘The gates of hell have not prevailed against it,’ he assured her, quoting Christ’s promise in the Gospel of Matthew. «‘Rest now, Sister.

«‘God is with you, and so am I.’ As he left the room, Father Elias felt a profound sense of wonder at his sister’s first concern being for the Church rather than herself. Despite everything she had endured, her priorities remained steadfastly aligned with her vocation. It was a testimony to a faith that transcended circumstances, a faith that had sustained her through 28 years of darkness and would now guide her return to the light.