The herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1835-1837, 1836-01-19
IFron Awfal Disclosure. br Maua Monk,pl

Taxing the VeH-Interrie.r afterwards aciM The Su.
Peraor.E.Sarprtse and Horror at the Disclosmes-
Resolution to Submit l-5ss
was introduced into the Superior's room in the
evening preceding the day on which was 10 take the
veil, to have an interview with the Bishop The SUI
pelor was present. and the interview lasted about half
an hour. The Bishop, this as on other occasions
appeared to me habitually rough in his manners His
address was by no means prepossessing.
Before took the veil, ornamented for the CO.
remoHy and was clothed in rich dress belonging to
the convent, which was used on such occasions; and,
placed not far from the altar in the chapel in the view
of number of spectators, who had assembled in num-
Der, perhaps, about forty. Taking the veil is an affair
winch occurs so frequently in Montreal, that il has
long ceased to be regarded novelty and although
notice had been given 10 the French parish church as
usual only a small audience had assembled as have
mentioned. $50 q 30 -
Being well prepared with long traiHing, and FIRE.
quent rehearsals, for what was to perform / stood
waiting in my large flowing Dress fer the appearance
of the Bishop. He presented himself entering by
the door behind the altar then threw myself at his
feet, and asked him TO confer upon the VEIL He ex-
pressed his consent and then turning the Superior
threw myself PROSTATE her feet, according TO my
instructions repeating what had before done at re-
hearsals and made movement as if to kiss her feet
ibis she prevented, or appeared prevent catching
Inc by sudden motion of her hand, and granted nv
request. then kneeled before the Holy Sacrament,
that Isl large round wafer held by the Bishop between
his fore finger and thumb, and made my VOWS
This wafer had been taught to regard with the ut
presence OF which made the uttered before bind
ing in the most solemn manner.
Alter taking the vows, proceeded TO small apart
ment behind the altar, accompanied by four nuns
where was coffin prepared, with my nun name en-
graved uponit:- - a'' f
So "SAINT EUsrAcE.'' a3 .isl
My companions lifted ii by four handles attached 10
IT. while threw off my dress, and put that of nun
OF Seur Bou gcoise; aud then we all returned 10 the
chapel. l proceeded FIRST, and was followed by the
tour nuns; the Bishop naming a nualber Of worldly
pleasures in rapid succession, in reply 10 which as
rapidly rePeated-@Je renonoe, Je renonce, Je re-
nonce, IL renounce, renounce, | renouHce.l p
The coffin was then placed in front of the altar and
advanced TO place myself in it. This coffin was to
be deposited after the ceremony, in an outhouse to
be preserved until my death, when IT was to receive
my corpse There reflections which naturally
made at that time, but stepped in, extended myself
and lay STILL pillow had been placed the head of
the coffin, to support my head in comfortable position
large, thick, black cloth then spread over me-
and the chanting of Latin hymns Immediately COM
menced. My thoughts were not the most pleasing
during the time lay in that situation. The PAIL or
Drap Mortel the cloth is Called had strong smell
OF incense which always dsagreeable to me- and
then proved almost sufocating. L recollected also
story had heard of novice who, in taking the VEIL
lay down in her coffin like me, and covered in the
same manner, but the removal of the covering was
found Dead When was uncovered rose, stepped
out of my cofn and kneeled. DINER ceremonies then
followed, of particular interest; after which, the
music commenced, and here the whole was inished.-
then proceeded from the chapel and returned to the
Supenor's room, followed by the other nuns, who
walked two by two, in their customary manner with
their hands folded Oh their breasts and their eyes cast
down upon the floor The nun who was 70 be nv COM
panlon IN future, then walked the end of the process
sion. O9 reaching the Superior's. door, they all left
~! and entered alone, and foundiie1wiih the Bfthd
The Superior now. informed me. that having taken
the black veil, il only remained t6f should swear7he
three oaths customary on becoming a nun; and that
some explanations would be necessary from her.
was now, she told me- have access to every part of
the edioe to the cellar where two of the sisters
We're imprisoned for which she did not mention
L must be informed that of my great duties was
TO obey the priests in all things; and this soon learn
ed, to my utter astonshmen and horror waste live in
the practice of criminal niefcourse with them ex-
pressed some of the feelings " hch this announcement
excited In me, which upon me like flash of
lightning but the only effect was to set her arg uing
with me, Ill favor of the crime, representing il as yir-
tue acceptable to God, and honorable 10 me. TIE
priests, she said, situated like other men, being
forbidden to marry; while they lived secluded ia6or
Gus, and sefdenying lives, for our salvation flley
might, indeed be considered our savours as without
their services could not obtain pardon of sin and
must go to hell Now il was our solemn duty on with
drawing from the world TO consecrate our lives 10 re
Igion, TO practice every species Of self-denia We
could not become humble nor mortfy our feelings
too far; this was to be done by opposing Them and
acting contrary TO them and what she proposed vs,
therefore pleasing in the sight of God II ew felt low
IoolIsn had been to place myself in the power Of such
persons as were around me.IsN 81 y a. - 400 .i
From what she said could draw no other conclusion
but that Twas required to act like the most abandoned
OF beings and that all my future associates were hab
tualiy guilty OF the henious and deestabe crimes.
when repeated my expressions of surprise and horror
she told me that such feelings were very common at
hrsf, and that maHy other had expressed them
selves as l did, who had long since changed their