Venerable Matt Talbot

Today we remember the life of Venerable Matt Talbot. Venerable Matt can probably be considered as the patron of men and women who are struggling with alcoholism.

Venerable Matt was born in Dublin, and when he was young his father worked on the docks and his father would have a very difficult time supporting his family. After Venerable Matt had experienced a few years of schooling, Venerable Matt was able to gain the ability to work as a messenger for some liquor merchants, unfortunately during this time he began to drink excessively. For almost 15 years of his life until he was almost the age of 30 Venerable Matt was an active alcoholic.

One day Venerable Matt felt that it was time to take “the pledge” for about three months, he decided to make a general confession and he began to attend daily Mass. There is a lot of evidence that Venerable Matt’s first seven years after taking the pledge were very hard to deal with. Also, avoiding his former drinking places was very difficult to do. Venerable Matt started to pray as intensely as he used to drink. Venerable Matt also tried to pay back people who he had borrowed or stolen money from in order to get drinks.

During most of his life Venerable Matt was able to work as a builder’s laborer. Venerable Matt was later able to join the Secular Franciscan Order and he began to live a life of strict penance; he abstained from meat entirely for nine months a year. Venerable Matt also spent hours every night avidly reading the Scripture and the lives of the many saints. Venerable Matt also prayed the rosary deeply and a lot. Though Venerable Matt’s job did not make him rich, Venerable Matt contributed generously to the missions.

After the year 1923, Venerable Matt's health had failed, and he was forced to quit work. Venerable Matt layer died on his way to church on Trinity Sunday.

After fifty years had passed, Pope Paul VI decided to give Matt Talbot the title venerable. His liturgical feast is celebrated on June 19. Venerable Matt is the patron of alcoholics, recovery from abuse and addictions, and sobriety.

Prayer to Venerable Matt:

Venerable Matt intercede that we may be able to guide more people to Christ and be a better example of the faith. Help us to overcome every temptation or trial we may encounter by praying and asking God for guidance and peace.

Amen

Venerable Matt pray for us

St. Joseph pray for us

May we continue to strengthen our journey to sainthood and keep others in our prayers.

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Works Cited Information (read from, not taken): Franciscan Media. "Venerable Matt Talbot. ”Venerable Matt Talbot | Franciscan Media. Accessed 18, June 2021. Images: Venerable Matt Talbot. June 18, 2021. Venerable Matt Talbot - Google Search.