June 18th - Venerable Matt Talbot By: Jeslyn Joyal

Many people find it difficult to fight their addiction, and for 16 years, Matt Talbot’s life revolves around liquor. He was able to win the battle against his addiction, and spent the rest of his life making up for all those lost years, through Christ. 

Venerable Matt Talbot was born on May 2, 1856, the second eldest out of twelve children. He began his first job at the age of 12, where he worked at a wine bottling shop. This led to his endless drinking as an early teen. 

At the age of 28, Matt sought a priest and took confession. He took a three month pledge, where he didn’t touch a drop of alcohol. This was a large struggle, seeing as Matt had been drinking excessively for the last 16 years of his life. The first years of his pledge were difficult, and Matt would begin to pray every time he walked past his former drinking spots. But Matt was able to overcome his addiction, and began to go to Mass daily, do penance, and pray regularly. Matt joined the Secular Franciscan Order, and even though he didn’t get a large salary, he gave large amounts to different missions. 

Venerable Matt Talbot died at the age of 63 in 1923, after spending a life of prayer to God. He dedicated his life to Jesus after overcoming his addiction, and is considered the patron of men and women struggling with alcohol. 

INTERCESSORY PRAYER

May Matt Talbot’s triumph over addiction, bring hope to our lives and strength to our hearts. May he intercede for all who struggle with an addiction. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Christ, our Great Healer. Amen.