Martin Sheen stars in this riveting religious drama that pits the protectors or tradition against the emissaries of change. Sheen is empowered by the Vatican to help adminsister reforms within the Roman Catholic Church. He is dispatched by the Pope to a secluded monastery in Ireland where he meets an Abbot (Trevor Howard) that does not share his views on how to lead his flock. As they cross paths on the road to faith, only time will tell who the true cross-bearer will be.