Matt can be considered the patron of men and women struggling with alcoholism.
Matt was born in Dublin, where his father worked on the docks and had a difficult time supporting his family. After a few years of schooling, Matt obtained work as a messenger for some liquor merchants; there he began to drink excessively. For 15 years—until he was almost 30—Matt was an active alcoholic.
One day he decided to take “the pledge” for three months, make a general confession and begin to attend daily Mass. There is evidence that Matt’s first seven years after taking the pledge were especially difficult. Avoiding his former drinking places was hard. He began to pray as intensely as he used to drink. He also tried to pay back people from whom he had borrowed or stolen money while he was drinking.
Most of his life Matt worked as a builder’s laborer. He joined the Secular Franciscan Order and began a life of strict penance; he abstained from meat nine months a year. Matt spent hours every night avidly reading Scripture and the lives of the saints. He prayed the rosary conscientiously. Though his job did not make him rich, Matt contributed generously to the missions.
After 1923 his health failed and Matt was forced to quit work. He died on his way to church on Trinity Sunday. Fifty years later Pope Paul VI gave him the title venerable.
The Venerable Matt Talbot! He is truly an example of many an Irishman! Said by a proud American of Irish decent 🙂 I will pray today, as everyday, but with him included in my heart.
Truly an Inspiration! Venerable Matt Talbot, pray for us.
As many of you are aware, the Fransican Friars, among other projects, operate an alcohol and drug rehab center at their Graymoor site in Garrison, NY. One of the buildings is named Matt Talbot Hall.
I know someone who went to Graymore and said they truly help people who go there and it is a good place to send money if you have a few dollars to spare or give up something to send to them because you know your money is really working to help poor souls.