When St. Bernard and his four brothers made up their minds to leave the world and devote themselves to religious life they asked their father for his blessing. On bidding farewell to their home and family, one of the said to their young brother, Nivard: “Goodbye, Nivard; you are now heir to all our father’s possessions, and will enjoy the pleasures of wealth and honorable station.” “Ah, yes!” replied Nivard, “you take heaven and leave me earth; the shares are not equal, and I will not be satisfied with mine.” And, in fact, when he grew to manhood, and his father no longer had need of his service, Nivard, too, entered the monastery.
© Evangelization Station, 2025