Opopomoz 2003

Satan's plan to ruin Christmas

In Hell, Satan resolves to destroy Christmas by stopping Jesus's birth. He assigns three minions—Astarotte, Scarapino and Farfaricchio—to invade Earth from the barrel of Mount Vesuvius, aiming at Naples, the Crib's capital. The plan is to sow trouble that will undermine the Nativity before it can begin.

Three devils arrive in Naples

The three devils emerge in Naples and start scouting for the right opportunity to derail the Nativity. They bring mischief and set their sights on a particular family preparing for the holy event. Naples becomes the stage where their scheme begins.

Rocco is chosen as the target

The devils pick Rocco, a jealous boy who resents the birth of his upcoming little brother Francesco and resents his parents. His anger and longing for attention make him an ideal instrument to stop the holy birth. They decide to tempt him toward helping halt Mary and Joseph's arrival.

Opopomoz and entry into the Crib's world

The devils induce Rocco to utter the magic word Opopomoz. With the word spoken, Rocco slips into the Crib's world and becomes intent on stopping Mary and Joseph from reaching Bethlehem. The disturbance marks the start of the Nativity's peril.

Rocco's mission intensifies in the Crib's world

Inside the Crib's world, Rocco and the devils unleash trouble that blocks Mary and Joseph's path. Yet their plan falters, and they fail to achieve their objective. Rocco's inner conflict grows as he confronts the consequences of his jealousy.

Rocco runs away

The devils' meddling never fully succeeds, and Rocco ends up fleeing from the Crib's world. His departure creates a new risk for the Nativity, as the threat seems to shift to the regular world. The adventure moves beyond the Crib's world as consequences spill out.

Sara learns of the crisis

Rocco's Italo-American cousin Sara learns what happened thanks to Rocco's cat. She follows the clues into the Crib's world but initially cannot locate him. She is found by a young Saint Peter and his family who become her guides on the journey.

Rocco and Sara reunite

Rocco finally finds Sara in the Crib's world, and the two realize they must act together. With the help of an Angel, Sara persuades Rocco that his fear and anger were misplaced. They resolve to join forces to drive away the devils.

Satan's attack and the failed hypnotic spell

Satan attempts to hypnotize Rocco to murder Mary and to devour Sara's soul. The spell collapses when the boy glimpses Mary's aureole, weakening the devil's hold. The three devils awaken Mary and urge her to sing a grandmother's song to banish the evil.

Mary's song banishes the devil

Mary sings the empowering song that sends the devil back to Hell. Satan is sucked away, ending his plot to corrupt the Nativity. The forces of good prevail, clearing the way for the holy birth.

Jesus is born

Jesus is born on Christmas night, and the Nativity scene comes to life as Mary and Joseph welcome the newborn. The world witnesses the miraculous moment that seals the plan's outcome. The cradle glows with the hope of redemption.

Francesco's birth

Rocco's mother gives birth to Francesco on the same Christmas night, completing the Nativity arc for the family. The arrival confirms the peaceful end of the devils' threat. The family celebrates the birth under the watchful presence of the newborns.