Former Roman cardinal Joseph Babayaro is the principal founder of the Avva Maria Society, a mysterious women's order operating out of West Africa. Avva Maria is unique in that most of its members are virgin-born. It is an ascetic community whereby those of the priestly caste have taken a vow of celibacy.

At the heart of the society is Serwa, a powerful seer and traditional healer who receives divine revelation directly from God. God, Serwa claims, is a woman, and she is Her divine mouthpiece. The elder is formally addressed as Avva Maria, the beloved veiled Mother Superior whom the faithful bow humbly before.

Yet, difficult is the road to life for Babayaro, her foremost champion. The college of cardinals has laicized him for heresy. Members of the Order of Avva Maria soon find themselves under a spate of deadly attacks from an opposing brotherhood when their lengthy search for Serwa's successor comes to a surprise ending in America.

Six-year-old Alisha Audrey may or may not be the "Chosen One" whose coming the Avva Maria has prophesized. Only Serwa knows for certain. The Avva Maria has forewarned that a traitor among them will complicate the society's mission to find and procure their "Risen Sun."