Nivard’s Story Fr. Nivard (William, Brendan) McGlynn was born 12 November 1930, in Holy Cross Parish, Glasgow, Scotland. He was the first born of seven children born to Irish parents. He was baptised William Brendan after his aunt, a missionary in South Africa. At the age of five he joined the parish choir where he first sang plainchant. At this time his mother introduced him to the piano.
World War II In 1939 his mother and seven children, five girls and two boys, were evacuated to Ireland because of World War II. His father remained in Scotland to support the family. In Donegal, Ireland Brendan completed his primary education. Here he again played on a harmonium and two pianos in his grandmother's hotel. However the family soon moved to the parish of Ardara and settled in Ballyjkilduff near Naran Portnoo on the shore of Gweebara Bay. Here there was an off shore holy island with a monastic site, Iniskeel. At certain times of the year it was possible to make a pilgrimage to the island but only for a few hours before the tide returned. He and his brother visited the island quite often in summertime. Here his monastic vocation began to take shape.
Scotland 1945 He returned with his family to Scotland in 1945. He worked as shop assistant in Glasgow for six months. In 1946 He applied to enter the Franciscan Order, OFM. He was accepted and sent to their Minor Seminary, St Bernardine's College, Buckingham, England, for his secondary education. In 1948 he entered the Franciscan novitiate, Chilworth, Surrey, England. Then while at the House of Studies at East Bergholt the attraction to the monastic way of life became very strong. So in 1952, when he was due for Solemn Profession he applied to enter Mt St Bernard Abbey, Leicestershire, England, and was accepted. At this time his brother and sisters began to follow him into the religious life when they came of age.
Mt St Bernard Abbey On receiving the habit he took the name of Nivard. (He was not allowed to keep the name of Brendan because when his Abbot was novice master in Ireland very many 'Brendans' entered but not one persevered!). He made his Simple Profession, 13 November 1954, and Solemn Profession 13 November 1957. He was ordained priest, 29 July 1959. He worked for seven years in the Pottery, first as assistant to Fr Vincent and then to Fr Luke. Apart from the usual stoneware items he experimented with clay flutes and ocarinas. He also assisted Fr Luke in the repair of harmoniums and in the making of the simple monstrance still used in Bamenda Abbey. When Dom Ambrose asked if he would like to go on the Foundation in Jos, Nigeria he did not have to think twice before giving his 'yes'. He always wanted to be a monk, a priest and a missionary and now the third wish was granted. He was a member of the main group of Founders of eight monks who left Mt St Bernard . . . .
On to Bamenda, Cameroon - - - - to be continued
Holy Land - - -to be continued Golden Jubilee 29 July 2009 . . . The Bishop of Argyll is present for the celebration of Fr. Nivard's 50th Anniversary of the Ordination of Priesthood. Bishop Joseph Toal is on Retreat with us - attending the Choir Offices he may enjoy the quiet views from the Choir Windows, see picture. .
. . to be continued. 
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