Upon arriving at the farm, Homer is hesitant to help the nuns with their request to build a church but he eventually agrees to do the job for a small fee. Throughout the movie, he faces obstacles during the construction process including a lack of proper tools and funding. However, with the help of the nuns and the local community, the church is finally completed.
Homer develops a close relationship with the nuns during his time at the farm and even teaches them a popular gospel song, "Amen". Mother Maria is initially strict and unwelcoming towards Homer, but as the project progresses, she begins to appreciate his hard work and helpful nature.
The nuns live a simple and frugal life, and Homer becomes inspired by their dedication to their faith. He realizes the importance of hard work and helping others, and his experience at the farm ultimately changes his outlook on life.
Lilies of the Field stars Sidney Poitier as Homer Smith and Lilia Skala as Mother Maria. The film was directed by Ralph Nelson and released in 1963. It was a critical and commercial success, winning Poitier the Academy Award for Best Actor, making him the first black man to win the award. The film's theme song, "Amen", became a hit in the United States and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song.