<P> To pass the evenings , Smith ( whom the nuns call `` Schmidt '' ) helps the sisters improve their rudimentary English ( only Mother Maria speaks the language well enough to converse with him ) and joins them in singing . They share their different musical traditions with one another : their Catholic chants and his Baptist hymns . He teaches them to join him in the call - and - response song `` Amen '' by Jester Hairston ( dubbed by Hairston in the film ) . </P>
<P> To pass the evenings , Smith ( whom the nuns call `` Schmidt '' ) helps the sisters improve their rudimentary English ( only Mother Maria speaks the language well enough to converse with him ) and joins them in singing . They share their different musical traditions with one another : their Catholic chants and his Baptist hymns . He teaches them to join him in the call - and - response song `` Amen '' by Jester Hairston ( dubbed by Hairston in the film ) . </P>
who sang amen in lilies of the field
who sang amen in lilies of the field
Jester Hairston
Jester Hairston