The Archdiocese of Boston tried to stop the film from happening. In a letter to Roberto Bentivegna, Bishop O'Malley described the script as being "blasphemous", as "not reflecting the teachings of the Catholic doctrine" and sent out a circular letter to the churches within the Archdiocese asking for the boycott of the production. Luckily Father Vincenzo Rosato had a sense of humor and allowed his church to be used.