Stigmata is a controversial movie that premiered in 1999. It follows the conflict between Frankie, an atheist New York City hairdresser who exhibits true stigmata (played by Patricia Arquette), and Father Kiernan, an ordained priest who investigates miracles for the Vatican (played by Gabriel Byrne). Kiernan finds that Frankie does in fact have stigmata, which leads to a more important finding: the archaeological discovery of new gospels in the Negev Desert, Israel. These gospels, written by other Apostles, cover Jesus's life between the ages of 11 and 23, and describe such miracles as Jesus creating a bird out of sand. These gospels are opposed to the established church and state that Jesus did not want churches or fanaticism; belief in him was enough. Such a message is of course threatening to the existence of the Vatican. Father Kiernan thus finds himself in a dilemma.

Tagline: Believe The Words. Beware The Message. Behold The Truth.

External links

• Official site