Jan. 16 [16:00 EST] -- Sinead O'Connor, who has very publicly stated her disdain for Catholicism, will play the Virgin Mary in a new film.

O'Connor, who once tore up a picture of the Pope on Saturday Night Live, will play Jesus Christ's mother in "Butcher Boy," which is scheduled for release later this year.

In the film, O'Connors Virgin Mary appears in a vision to a thirteen-year-old boy who, spurred by his fathers death and his mothers suicide, turns to violence.

Concerning her feelings on Catholicism, O'Connor has told reporters, "I was brought up a strict Catholic and believe it had a very damaging effect on me.