Remembering the Birth of Venerable Matt Talbot Today

One hundred and fifty eight years ago at 13 Aldborough Court, Dublin, Ireland, Elizabeth Talbot gave birth to her second of twelve children, who she and her husband, Charles, named Matthew.

Only God knew that we would remember this birth and his life today as Venerable Matt Talbot, patron “saint” of alcoholics and those seeking sobriety.

Matt is not yet an official Roman Catholic canonized saint since he lacks two known physical miracles credited to his intercession. While there are alcoholics (and other addicts) worldwide who consider their sobriety through Matt’s intercession a miracle, these are currently viewed by the Church as "moral miracles."
(For a discussion on types of miracles see http://www.amazon.com/Making-Saints-Catholic-Determines-Becomes/dp/0684815303 pages 212-213 and http://www.amazon.com/The-Miracle-Detective-Investigative-Investigates-ebook/dp/B008RZKOFQ, page 31.)

Prayer for the Canonisation 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
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.