Maria Monk was a Canadian woman whose controversial and sensationalized account of life in a Montreal convent, "The Awful Disclosures of Maria Monk," became a bestseller in the 19th century. The book, which claimed to expose abuses within the Catholic Church, was later discredited as a fabrication, but it nonetheless fueled anti-Catholic sentiment in the United States and Canada. Monk's story remains a subject of historical interest for its impact on religious and social discourse of the time.
"I have hardly detained the reader long enough on the subject, to give him a just impression of the stress laid on confession. It is one of the great points to which our attention was constantly directed."
"The manufacture of wax candles was another important branch of business in the nunnery."
"I have, I think, afforded every opportunity that could be reasonably expected, to judge of my credibility."
"All around me insisted that my doubts proved only my own ignorance and sinfulness; that they knew by experience they would soon give place to true knowledge, and an advance in religion; and I felt something like indecision."
"Others too would occasionally entertain and privately express such doubts; though we all had been most solemnly warned by the cruel murder of Saint Francis."
"A number of girls of my acquaintance went to school to the nuns of the Congregational Nunnery, or Sisters of Charity, as they are sometimes called."
"Unfortunately, I was not wise enough to listen to her advice, and hastily married. In a few weeks, I had occasion to repent of the step I had taken, as the report proved true - a report which I thought justified, and indeed required, our separation."
"The only recreation there allowed, however, is that of the mind, and of this there is but little."
"I often remembered also that I had been told, that we shall have as many devils biting us, if we go to hell, as we have unconfessed sins on our consciences."
"The Bishop, as I have remarked, was not very dignified on all occasions, and sometimes acted in such a manner as would not have appeared well in public."
"On the day, therefore, when I went to the church to be confirmed, with a number of others, I suffered extremely from the reproaches of my conscience."
"She gave me another piece of information which excited other feelings in me, scarcely less dreadful. Infants were sometimes born in the convent; but they were always baptized and immediately strangled!"