The Encounter with Piccarda Donati and the Empress Constance

In the sphere of the Moon, Dante sees faint, translucent faces. These are the souls of those who were forced to break their religious vows. Piccarda Donati, a nun who was forcibly removed from her convent, explains that she and the others are content with their lowly station because their will is perfectly aligned with God's. She introduces the Empress Constance, who was also forced to break her vows. Piccarda explains that the blessed desire only what they have, and that 'in His will is our peace.' This episode introduces the theme of the hierarchy of blessedness and the perfection of the divine will.