Matt Talbot – Short Biography

Matt Talbot was an Irish Catholic layman who is known for his devotion to the Eucharist and his commitment to living a life of sobriety. He was born in 1856 in Dublin, Ireland, the oldest of 10 children. His parents were poor and struggled to provide for their family, and as a result, Talbot was forced to leave school at a young age to work and help support his family.

Despite his difficult circumstances, Talbot was deeply spiritual and had a strong devotion to the Catholic Church. He was particularly devoted to the Eucharist and spent much of his time in prayer and contemplation.

Talbot struggled with alcohol addiction for much of his life and made several attempts to overcome it. It was not until he was 35 years old that he finally achieved sobriety through the help of the Holy Spirit and the support of his faith community. From that point on, he dedicated himself to living a life of sobriety and service to others.

Talbot was known for his humility and his devotion to the poor. He would often give away his food and clothing to those in need and spent much of his time helping the homeless and the sick.

In addition to his charitable works, Talbot also devoted himself to a life of prayer and penance. He would often fast and do extra penances in order to draw closer to God.

Talbot died in 1925 at the age of 69. His cause for canonization was opened in 1975 and he was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1992. He is now remembered as a model of humility and devotion and is often invoked by those struggling with addiction.

In addition to his devotion to the Eucharist and his commitment to sobriety, Talbot is also remembered for his devotion to the Virgin Mary and his love for the Rosary. He is often depicted holding a Rosary in paintings and icons.

Also see St. Brigid of Ireland

Prayers to Matt Talbot

1. O Blessed Matt Talbot, whose struggle with addiction and commitment to sobriety inspire us all, please pray for me and for all those who struggle with addiction. May we find the strength and courage to overcome our own struggles and turn to God for help and healing.

2. O Blessed Matt Talbot, whose devotion to the Eucharist and the poor was so great, please intercede for me before the Lord. May I follow your example and seek to serve others with a heart full of love and compassion.

3. O Blessed Matt Talbot, whose love for the Virgin Mary and the Rosary was so strong, please pray for me that I may grow in my own devotion to our Blessed Mother and find comfort and guidance in the prayers of the Rosary.

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Quotes of Matt Talbot

Here are a few quotes attributed to Matt Talbot:

“The rosary is a powerful weapon to put the demons to flight and to keep oneself from sin…If you desire peace in your hearts, in your homes, and in your country, assemble each evening to recite the Rosary.”

“There is nothing in the world that would give me greater happiness than to be able to offer my life to Jesus in the Blessed Eucharist.”

“The only way to be really happy and at peace with oneself is to try to do God’s will in all things.”

“The only sure way of keeping out of trouble is to be very humble and to avoid those occasions which are likely to lead us into it.”

“Prayer is the key of the morning and the bolt of the evening.”

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Quotes About Matt Talbot

“Matt Talbot’s humility and complete trust in God are a powerful witness to the transformative grace of the Gospel.” – Pope John Paul II

“Matt Talbot’s journey from addiction to sobriety, from self-hatred to self-acceptance, from despair to hope, is an inspiring story of courage and faith.” – Bishop Eamonn Walsh

“Matt Talbot’s life and example continue to inspire people all over the world to turn away from addiction and to embrace a life of sobriety, prayer, and service to others.” – Father Benedict Groeschel

“Matt Talbot’s life of prayer and penance serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of God’s love and grace.” – Sister Mary Jo Sobieck

The Life of St. Matt Talbot: A Detailed Biography

St. Matt Talbot is not yet officially canonized by the Catholic Church, but he is widely revered as a patron of those who struggle with alcoholism and addiction. His life story is a remarkable example of how grace can transform a hopeless drunkard into a holy ascetic.

Early Life – Alcoholism

Matt Talbot was born on May 2, 1856, in Dublin, Ireland, the second of twelve children of a poor family. His father and most of his brothers were heavy drinkers. Matt left school at the age of twelve and went to work in a wine merchant’s store, where he soon developed a taste for alcohol. By the age of thirteen, he was considered a hopeless alcoholic.

For the next 16 years, Matt wasted his life and his wages on drinking. He frequented pubs with his friends, borrowed and scrounged money for alcohol, pawned his clothes and boots, and even stole a fiddle from a street entertainer to buy drink. He was often in debt and in trouble with the law.

Taking the Pledge

One evening in 1884, when he was 28 years old, Matt had no money and no credit left. He waited outside a pub, hoping that someone would invite him in for a drink. After several friends passed him by without offering to treat him, he went home in disgust and announced to his mother that he was going to take the pledge (renounce drink).

He went to Holy Cross College, Clonliffe, where he took the pledge for three months. At the end of the three months, he took the pledge for six months, then for life. He also made a general confession and began to attend daily Mass.

The first seven years after taking the pledge were especially difficult for Matt. He had to avoid his former drinking places and companions, and he suffered from cravings and temptations. He found strength in prayer, reading religious books and pamphlets, and doing acts of penance.

He also tried to make amends for his past sins. He repaid all his debts scrupulously. He searched for the fiddler whose instrument he had stolen, but could not find him. He gave the money to the church to have Mass said for him.

Working Life

Matt worked as a builder’s laborer for most of his life. He was honest, diligent, and skilled at his work. He joined a trade union and defended the rights of workers. He was also generous to the poor and supported various missionary causes.

Matt lived a simple and frugal life. He rented a small room in a tenement house, where he kept only a bed, a chair, a table, and a crucifix. He ate little food and abstained from meat nine months a year. He wore shabby clothes and walked barefoot or in wooden sandals.

Matt practiced severe mortifications of the flesh. He wore chains and cords around his waist, arms, and legs under his clothes. He slept on a plank or on the floor with a stone for a pillow. He scourged himself with whips and knotted ropes.

Spiritual Life

Matt had a deep love for God and His Church. He attended Mass every morning before work and received Holy Communion frequently. He spent hours every night reading Scripture and the lives of the saints. He prayed the rosary devoutly and had a special devotion to Mary.

Matt also had a great respect for priests and religious. He sought spiritual direction from various priests and friars throughout his life. He joined the Third Order of St. Francis (now known as Secular Franciscan Order) and followed its rule of life.

Matt had a humble and cheerful disposition. He was friendly and courteous to everyone he met. He avoided gossip and idle talk. He never complained or criticized others. He accepted his trials and sufferings with patience and resignation to God’s will.

Death and Legacy

After 1923, Matt’s health began to decline due to his hard work and harsh penances. He was forced to quit work in 1925. On June 7 of that year, Trinity Sunday, he collapsed on his way to church and died shortly afterwards.

When his body was examined, the cords and chains he had worn for years were discovered. His death made the news and many people came to pay their respects. His funeral was attended by thousands of people, including the Archbishop of Dublin.

Matt’s life soon became known and admired by many Catholics, especially those who struggled with alcoholism and addiction. He was declared Venerable by Pope Paul VI in 1975, and his cause for canonization is still ongoing. He is commemorated on June 19.

St. Matt Talbot is a model of sobriety and sanctity for all of us. He shows us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace, and that with God’s help, we can overcome our sins and weaknesses. He also shows us that holiness is possible in any state of life, and that we can grow closer to God through prayer, penance, and charity.

Saints Similar to Matt Talbot

You may also be interested in reading the Biography of St. John Vianney. Both Matt Talbot and St. John Vianney had transformative experiences in their lives that led them to profound conversions. Matt Talbot struggled with alcoholism and later became a devout Catholic who lived a life of prayer and penance. St. John Vianney, the Curé d’Ars, is known for his pastoral work in a small village, where he had a significant impact on the faith lives of his parishioners. Next up: Biography of Pope Benedict XVI

 

Also check out our handmade Matt Talbot Medal and Matt Talbot Rosary Bracelet and Matt Talbot Medal.