(1856-1925) Venerable Matt Talbot was born the second of 12 siblings of a poor family in Dublin, Ireland. His father and most of his brothers were heavy drinkers, and Matt was an alcoholic by 13. Matt hit his rock bottom and had a conversion at 28 and changed his life to one of prayer, fasting, and service, modeling it after sixth-century Irish monks. He became a Third Order Franciscan. Matt was inspired by the writings of Saint Augustine, Saint Louis de Montfort, Saint Francis de Sales, and others.

Venerable Matt Talbot is a popular patron for modern alcoholics. While it may appear on the surface that he simply decided to change, he sought the assistance of a good spiritual director and looked to the saints for wisdom, inspiration, and intercession. Who is your recovery team? Do you take direction from others well? Which saints are on your team?

“Three things I cannot escape: the eye of God, the voice of conscience, the stroke of death. In company, guard your tongue. In your family, guard your temper. When alone, guard your thoughts” (Venerable Matt Talbot).

Reflection by Brad Farmer