From Self and Society in Medieval France: the memoirs of  Guibert of Nogent

Writing in the 12th century

“After birth I had scarcely learned to cherish my rattle when Thou, Gracious lord, henceforth my Father, didst make me a orphan. For when about eight months had passed, the father of my flesh died. Great thanks are due to Thee that Thou didst allow that man to depart in a Christian state. If he had lived, he would undoubtably have endangered the provision Thou hadst made for me. Because my young body and a certain natural quickness for one of such tender age seemed to fit me for worldly pursuits, no one doubted that when the proper time had come for education he would have broken the vow which he had made for me.”

Guibert was dedicated to the church.

From: From Self and Society in Medieval France: the memoirs of  Guibert of Nogent. pg 44 ISBN: 0806065503