Meaning: The quote you provided is from Maria Monk, a woman who claimed to have been a nun in the Hotel Dieu nunnery in Montreal, Canada, during the 1830s. In her book, "The Awful Disclosures of Maria Monk," she made shocking allegations about the mistreatment of nuns and the immoral conduct of priests within the convent. The quote highlights her realization that one of her supposed duties as a nun was to engage in criminal intercourse with the priests, which she found utterly astonishing and horrifying.

Maria Monk's book caused a sensation when it was published in 1836, as it portrayed the convent as a place of moral corruption and abuse, and it fueled anti-Catholic sentiment in North America. However, her claims have been widely discredited, and many scholars and historians consider her book to be a work of fiction rather than a factual account.

The quote sheds light on the power dynamics and exploitation that Maria Monk claimed to have experienced within the convent. She describes being shocked and horrified by the expectation that she, as a nun, was supposed to engage in criminal behavior with the priests. This assertion has been the subject of scrutiny and debate, with many questioning the veracity of Monk's claims and the motivations behind her allegations.

It is essential to approach Monk's claims with skepticism and to consider the historical context in which she made her allegations. During the 19th century, there was a prevalent suspicion and fear of Catholicism in North America, and Monk's book played into these sentiments. Her allegations tapped into existing anti-Catholic prejudices and fueled public outrage, contributing to a climate of suspicion and hostility towards Catholic institutions.

Despite the controversy surrounding Maria Monk and the dubious nature of her claims, her book remains a significant part of the history of religious and cultural tensions in 19th-century North America. It serves as a reminder of the power of sensationalism and the impact of inflammatory rhetoric on public opinion.

In conclusion, the quote from Maria Monk's "The Awful Disclosures" captures her shock and horror at the expectation that she was to engage in criminal intercourse with the priests as a supposed duty as a nun. While Monk's allegations have been widely discredited, her book had a profound impact on public perceptions of Catholicism in 19th-century North America. It is essential to approach her claims with caution and to consider the historical context in which they were made. Despite the controversy, Monk's book remains a part of the complex tapestry of religious and cultural tensions in the 19th century.