Not Quite Yet a Saint of the Day

This is also the Feast of Venerable Matt Talbot, Patron of alcoholics, and the inspiration for Ireland's Matt Talbot Retreat Movement.


Venerable Matt Talbot - (1856 - 1925)

From his early teens until age 28 Matt's only aim in life had been liquor. But from that point forward, his only aim was God. Matt Talbot was born May 2, 1856, the second of twelve children born to Charles and Elizabeth Talbot. In Matt's early years he knew little security or stability.

Compulsory school attendance was not in force, and Matt never attended any school regularly.

At the age of twelve Matt ot his first job; it was in a wine bottling store and that is when his excessive drinking began. One evening when he was 28 he went out and found a priest, went to confession and "took the Pledge" for three months. Many times he felt he would not be able to hold out for three months, but within the year he renewed the pledge for life, never touching alcohol again (41 more years). His resolve was maintained by a new life of much prayer, daily Mass, hard work and much penance. Matt Talbot collapsed and died of heart failure on June 7, 1925. Penitential chains were found on his body after his death. (Emphasis mine.)

After Matt's death his reputation for holiness became widespread, and by 1931 the first inquiry into his life had begun. The decree on his virtues was issued October 3, 1975.

More information on the life of this inspirational man may be found here, here, and here.


Prayer for the Canonization of Matt Talbot

Lord, in your servant Matt Talbot you have given us a wonderful example of triumph over addiction, of devotion to duty, and of lifelong reverence for the Most Holy Sacrament. May his life of prayer and penance give us courage to take up our crosses and follow in the footsteps of Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Father, if it be your will that your beloved servant should be glorified by your Church, make known by your heavenly favours the power he enjoys in your sight. We ask this through the same Jesus Christ Our Lord
Amen

Remember, with the help of God, you can conquer any foe.