Includes bibliographical references (p. [445]-484) and index.

The path to the convent -- The novice becomes a nun -- The spiritual meanings of religious life -- Government, hierarchies, and ceremonials -- Daily life in the convent -- Body, soul, and death -- Sexuality : a challenge to chastity -- Indian brides of Christ -- The struggle over vida común -- Writing in the cloisters.

Description based on print version record.

This book invites the modern reader to follow the histories of colonial Mexican nuns inside the cloisters where they pursued a religious vocation or sought shelter from the world. It provides a complete overview of conventual life, including the early signs of vocation, the decision to enter a convent, profession, spiritual guidelines and devotional practices, governance, ceremonials, relations with male authorities and confessors, living arrangements, servants, sickness, and death rituals.