| Matt Talbot |
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The Venerable Matt Talbot 1856-1925
1856 Matt Talbot was born on 2nd May to Elizabeth and Charles Talbot at Alderborough Court, North Strand. He was baptised in the Pro-Cathedral, on 5th May.
1868 Having attended school for only one year, Matt got his first job. At this time he began to drink and later admitted that from his early teens to his late twenties his only aim in life was heavy drinking.
1884 Matt stopped drinking and made an initial three month pledge to God not to drink. Despite great temptation in the early stages he never took a drink again.
1884-1925 His remaining forty-one 'dry' years, were lived heroically, attending daily Mass, praying constantly, helping the poor and living the ascetic life-style of Celtic spirituality. This life was his prayer to God and his defence against a reversion to alcoholism.
1925 + Matt died in Granby Lane on Trinity Sunday, 7th June on his way to Mass in Dominick Street. The chains found on his body at death were a symbol of his devotion to Mary, to whom he wished to devote himself as a slave. Within a short time of his death, Matt's reputation as a saintly man and especially as a protector of those suffering from all forms of addiction and their families was being established. Matt Talbot was declared Venerable in 1973 which means the Church has decided that from a human point of view he has the qualifications of a Saint.
2006 Timothy Schmalz, a Canadian sculptor, donated this memorial to the Pro-Cathedral on the 150th anniversary of Matt's birth and baptism.
Prayer for the Canonisation of Venerable 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.
Favours received through the intercession of the Venerable Matt Talbot should be notified as soon as possible to the Vice Postulator: Very Reverend Brian Lawless, Adm Parish of St. Agatha, North William Street, Dublin 1.
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