These brief biographies of deceased Carmelites, generally written by prioresses, know how to make themselves copious on occasion: this will be the case with "History of a Soul", which is nothing other than the "circular" of Sister Thérèse of the Child Jesus, written by the Carmel of Lisieux. The prioresses always present the Carmelites in a very beautiful light, knowing how to bring out all the qualities of the deceased, her successes, and if necessary her little words found after her death. The prioresses also know that their public will be the Carmelites of France, and it is to all of them that they are addressing themselves when writing. They are also made trainers in their selection of events and their presentation, sketching the portrait of the ideal Carmelite: a hidden life of immolation, in the Church, for the praise of God and at the service of the community.
The circulars are particular texts, written according to a very special literary genre. These are biographies, but not just any biographies: those of Carmelite nuns.
This information is usually found there:
- the family
- some childhood stories
- the first desire for religious life
- the desire of carmel
- barriers to entry
- supports
- the entrance and the first difficulties
- works and jobs
- spiritual life
- sibling relationships
- onset of last illness
- doctor care
- chaplain spiritual care
- death
- request for votes for the repose of the soul of the deceased
It will often be question in these "circulars" of prayers recited by the community assembled around the dying sister.
Here is the text of these Prayers of recommendation of the soul to God.
