"The priests are debarred from female society, nor is any woman permitted to enter the religious houses"

This quote by Hernando Cortes talks to the strict gender functions and expectations of the Catholic Church throughout the 16th century. The quote recommends that priests were not enabled to communicate with ladies, which females were not permitted to get in religious houses. This was likely due to the Church's belief that females were more vulnerable to temptation and sin than males, and that their presence would be an interruption to the priests. This quote likewise speaks with the Church's patriarchal structure, as women were not permitted to participate in spiritual activities or hold positions of power within the Church. This quote reflects the Church's view of females as second-class people, and their exclusion from spiritual activities and areas. It also speaks to the Church's desire to keep a certain level of control over its members, and to make sure that its teachings were followed.