Place in Society.

The Catholic Church venerated women. Although in the Old Testament it was Eve who led Adam into temptation, Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Ann, her mother, were lauded as examples of virtue and godliness. In the Church women's roles were circumscribed; they could become nuns, not priests (although nuns' contributions were valued). Some women, such as Teresa of Avila, were valued (and feared) for their mystical visions and reform activities during the Counter- Reformation.

A Woman Speaks Out

It seemed so funny to me, it made me laugh, because in this matter I was never afraid, it was well known that in matters of the faith, I would die a thousand deaths before I'd go against even the least ceremony of the church, or against any in the Sacred Scriptures. And I said that . . . if I thought there...