The Ordinary Stuff of Saints

by The Franciscan Friars, TOR

Monday, November 1, 2010

http://franciscanfriarstor.blogspot.com/2010/11/ordinary-stuff-of-saints.html

The opening lines of this hymn help to provide a focus for the feast we celebrate today. “For all your saints still striving; for all your saints at rest” this is what we are remembering today. The gigantic catalogue of Saints, Blesseds and Servants of God staggers any one individual’s memory. Furthermore, this list is just the beginning for the Church’s memory.

All Saints Day is about all those who choose to make the Gospel of Christ a living thing. When Saint Theresa of Avila remarked, “Some say that the saints are dead. I say that they are more alive than we are.” And Saint Ireneus’, “The glory of God is humanity fully alive.”, alert us to a choice that we can make every day.

This choice is not usually something that makes for headlines or consists of grand heroic acts. Most often , it tends to be known only to the person who makes it. To the casual observer, it looks ordinary and simply taken for granted. Yet, for the individual making it, there can be great heroism.

Take for instance the single mom who works an eight-hour day, perhaps as a sales clerk. As she stands behind her cash register, greeting each customer with respect, regardless of his or her mood at the time. Behind the scenes, she is concerned with the well-being of her young family, wondering if she’ll make it through another month of bills and childhood crises. The fact that she manages to do the “ordinary” is expected and not considered miraculous –the stuff of sainthood. Yet, in light of the Church’s memory of what makes for a saint, she is “on the list”!

What makes for a saint? Perhaps what Matt Talbot wrote in his journal would help broaden our appreciation for this feast day. Talbot spent his youth, from about the age of 12 until his mid twenties in an alcoholic stupor. One day, having nothing to drink and no friends around to buy him his liquor, he decided to “make the pledge” to remain sober for three months. One day at a time, he not only stayed sober, but began living “fully alive”. Sustained by daily prayer and the sacraments, his ordinary life was a series of daily choices, marked by his reliance upon God’s grace. His note to himself read: “Three things I cannot escape: the eye of God, the voice of conscience, the stroke of death.” Here we read the foundation for living in the moment; in touch with life as it is. Further on he writes down the “How” he does it. “In company I guard my tongue. In my family I guard my temper. When alone, I guard my thoughts.” Here’s the stuff of saints!
Happy feast! It’s YOUR day!

Note: This article refers to Matt keeping a "journal;" he actually wrote comments in his books and on scrapes of paper.

Matt Talbot image

Source: This is the front of an older prayer card. On the back is the "Prayer for the Canonization of Matt Talbot" and a note for "Anyone who receives a favour through his intercession to inform the Vice-Postulator of the Cause..." who was Fr. Morgan Costelloe at the time or contact The Redemptorists in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Matt Talbot as Portrayed by Four Artists

Source: Rev. Altert H. Dolan, O.Carm., We knew Matt Talbot: Visits with his relatives and friends. Chicago: The Carmelite Press, 1948, facing page 20.

Mother Nealis' painting of Matt Talbot

This is a picture of a painting of Matt Talbot by Mother Margaret Mary Realis, R.S.C.J. It appears at two links. One is included in Life of Matt Talbot (1942) by Sir Joseph A. Glynn online at http://www.archive.org/stream/MN5135ucmf_8#page/n117/mode/2up , facing page 80.

Sir Glynn states in the preface to this particular book edition, page iv, that "some who knew Matt Talbot well consider that this picture, drawn, of course, from descriptions, bears a striking resemblance to him."

(http://www.archive.org/stream/MN5135ucmf_8#page/n11/mode/2up)

.

The second online source of this painting appears in a 1993 M.A. thesis titled, The Soul pictures of Margaret Mary Nealis, R.S.C,J., 1876-1957, by Apollonia Schofield at

http://spectrum.library.concordia.ca/6105. Once the PDF is downloaded, go to page 194, Figure 84. The painting of Matt is titled, "Man with Boy and Girl (Max Talbot), 1937, lost."

An abstract of this thesis can be found at http://art-history.concordia.ca/RVACanada/abstracts/schofield.html

.

Booklet cover image of Matt Talbot

The initial cover of this 1972 booklet by Mary Purcell includes the head of Matt from a larger painting of him (after his death) by Mother Margaret Mary Nealis, R.S.C.J (1876 – 1957). (Later booklet printings have a different cover.)

Mary Purcell is a renown biographer of Matt who also published Matt Talbot and His Times (1977, American edition by Franciscan Herald Press) and Remembering Matt Talbot (1990, Second Edition, Veritas Publications)

1947 book cover image of Matt Talbot

This is the book cover for the 1947 edition of Matt Talbot, Alcoholic by Fr. Albert H. Dolan, O.Carm. published by Carmelite Press. (The 1948 edition had a dark blue color with just the title and author's name). This was the first American published book on Matt Talbot
(http://cnp.stparchive.com/Archive/CNP/CNP04041947p40.php).

An almost identical cover (but with Matt wearing a hat and without the chain) appeared on the cover of Piety in Overalls: The Story of Matt Talbot, Dublin Laborer (Franciscan Herald Press, 1930) by Robert John Bayer.

Matt Talbot and the Franciscan Tradition

In a new book titled, The Franciscan Tradition (Liturgical Press, 2010), Regis J. Armstrong and Ingrid J. Peterson (and Series Editor, Phyllis Zagano) include a chapter on Matt Talbot as a timeless example of his relevancy as a Secular Franciscan.
Besides reading this chapter, it would be worthwhile to read the Preface and Introduction to this tradition, although some pages are not included.

http://books.google.com/books?id=q9lcEYr-UtsC&pg=PA149&dq=%22matt+talbot%22&hl=en&ei=1B-pTL6QM8GqlAeI44iiDg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CCQQ6AEwADgK#v=onepage&q=%22matt%20talbot%22&f=false

Attention To The Addicted

October 11th, 2010
By Deacon Bob Yerhot

A neighboring priest, rather well known in an adjoining diocese, recently made me aware of Venerable Matt Talbot. Talbot was born the second of twelve children of Charles and Elizabeth Talbot in Dublin, Ireland on May 2, 1856. His father was a drinker, and Matt began drinking at age 12 and quickly became an alcoholic. In 1884, in dire straits, he went to Holy Cross College and pledged to not drink for three months. After the three months, he resolved to not drink for six months, and then later for life. He died in 1925 of a heart attack on the way to Mass.

For the next forty years he remained sober. He attended daily Mass, repaid all his debts and was very keen in his sense of justice to others. He gave his time and energy to others. He fasted rigorously, rose each day at 5 AM to attend Mass and spent hours each morning on his knees in prayer.

It is said that Matt Talbot is the “saint in overalls.” He would kneel outside the doors of the church and once inside, would prostrate himself before the Eucharist before entering the pew. Every Sunday he would spend seven hours in church without moving, kneeling the whole time. He did this every Sunday for forty years.

There is a prayer that one can say for a friend or family member who is afflicted by alcoholism or another form of chemical dependency. Make a novena out of it, i.e., say it for nine days.

God of mercy, we bless You in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who ministered to all who came to Him.

Give Your strength to ____, Your servant, bound by the chains of addiction.

Enfold him/her in Your love and restore him/her to the freedom of God’s children.

Lord, look with compassion on all those who have lost their health and freedom.

Restore to them the assurance of Your unfailing mercy, and strengthen them in the work of recovery.

To those who care for them, grant patient understanding and a love that perseveres.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Thank you Venerable Matt Talbot!

Source: http://bob.yerhot.org/?s=matt+talbot

Note: We might never assume that others know of Venerable Matt Talbot, such as Deacon Bob until recently. Therefore, we might always be prepared to provide information about Matt Talbot to others. (JB)

New book chapter about Matt Talbot already online

In our continuous search for information about Venerable Matt Talbot, we found a book titled, Ascetics, published in May 2010 by Books LLC. Matt's name is included in the subtitle (along with nine others) and is the focus of one of the twenty three chapters. Some information about this book can be found at http://www.amazon.com/Ascetics-Mohandas-Karamchand-Pythagoras-Catharism/dp/1156397219/ref=sr_1_25?s=STORE&ie=UTF8&qid=1284906230&sr=1-25

In searching for additional information about this book and publisher, it appears that the contents are actually from the Wikipedia category of eclectic "ascetics"

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Ascetics), which links to their page on Matt Talbot

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_Talbot). Therefore, this information is free online.

Matt Talbot: The Man Who Stumbled Into Heaven (Recording)

Fr. Ronald Gray, O.Carm. narrates the story of Venerable Matt Talbot in this 1964 twenty-seven minutes recording. It can be listened to and/or downloaded at http://www.mycatholicvoice.com/media/Irr2Ie

Fr. Gray (1918-2003) was co-founder (with Fr. Albert Dolan, O.Carm.) of the Matt Talbot Legion. (His obituary can be found at http://carmelites.info/citoc/citoc/apriljune2003/citoc_magazine_apriljune2003_obits.htm)

Fr. Dolan (1892-1951) was author of 53 books, including Matt Talbot Alcoholic:

The Story of a Slave to Alcohol who Became a Comrade of Christ's (1948),

We knew Matt Talbot: Visits with his relatives and friends (1948), and The Life of Matt Talbot (1952). (His obituary can be found at Rev. Albert Dolan, O.Carm.)

Fr. Gray (1918-2003) was co-founder (with Fr. Albert Dolan, O.Carm.) of the Matt Talbot Legion. A brief obituary can be found at

http://www.ocarm.org/pre09/news/citocen/citoc/apriljune2003/citoc_magazine_apriljune2003_obits.htm

Fr. Dolan (1892-1951) was author of 53 books, including Matt Talbot Alcoholic: The Story of a Slave to Alcohol Who Became a Comrade of Christ's (1948), We knew Matt Talbot: Visits with his relatives and friends (1948) and The Life of Matt Talbot (1952).

Lay Down Your Burdens at the Matt Talbot Novena

Parish of Shannon, Co. Clare, Ireland

(As noted in the last paragraph, people can send petitions to the novena via the internet. JB)

Suffering has many human faces; young, old, rich, poor, town, country, tall small, married, single, separated; it does not discriminate. A parent grieving the loss of their child, a young person rejected because they are “different”, a spouse separated due to compulsive drinking or some other addiction, a family with a drug addict, a person cut in their prime due to illness or disability. We all know the faces; we see them every day. Perhaps we see one when we look into the mirror.

Often it is hidden but the telltale signs of strain are there. Tragically some take their own lives; others take pills, drugs or alcohol, try to escape but only adding to their portion of suffering humanity. It is vain to try and explain their situation by neat spiritual formulae. Suffering is too commonplace and pain too real.

Suffering may be mysterious, widespread and at times overpowering but no more so than the reality of the grace and courage of sufferers. The secular world, that we are all part of, speaks of the triumph of the human spirit in the face of tragedy, but would this be possible if the human spirit were not part of God’s spirit?

Matt Talbot, whose annual Novena begins in SS John & Paul Church on Tuesday October 5^th at 7pm is an example of a fellow Irish man who in his own life knew suffering as a result of his addictive behaviour, but he also knew the other side of the coin when he experience God’s love at work in his life. Matt Talbot is just one example of many who through their plight caused in part by circumstances, and in part by a personal vulnerability, still shine through and stay faithful to what they cherished and loved.

Despite all the reasons in the world for caving into deaths inevitability, Matt Talbot stayed focused on life’s hope and by so doing, shows us the truth of the cross’s triumph over suffering and death. Suffering from addictions, or indeed sharing in the life of addictions, has many human faces. It often defies explanation, leaving us stuck for worlds and at times helpless. However there is help available, be it medical or professional. There is also spiritual help available.

At this time of year our annual Novena in honour of Matt Talbot takes place in both Kilrush and Shannon. It’s the time of year when people gather for one hour each Tuesday from 7pm to 8pm to pray for all suffering or sharing in the life of addictions. This is the 18^th year of the Novena and attracts hundreds of people at both venues for each of the 9 nights.

This year’s Novena begins on Tuesday October 5^th and continues each Tuesday during October and November. This year’s preachers include:

October 5th	Bro. Martin Browne OSB Headmaster Glenstal Abbey
October 12th	Rev.Pat Conroy PP Ballinakill Co. Galway.
October 19th	Rev. Tom Whelan CC Nenagh Co. Tipperary.
October 26th	Rev. Gearoid O’ Griofa CC, Gort,, Co. Galway.
November 2nd	Rev. Frank O’Connor, Pastoral Centre, Limerick
November 9th	Rev. Ulic Troy OFM, Guardian, Franciscan Friary, Merchants Quay, Dublin
November 16th	Rev.Kevin O’Boyle SSC, Quilty, Co. Clare
November 23rd	Ms. Ellen O’Neill, Bushy Park Treatment Centre, Ennis
November 30th	Rev. Pat Larkin PP, Kilmurry Ibrickane, Co. Clare

Petitions can be left at the shrine in SS John & Paul Church. This year for the first time ever people can send petitions to the novena via the internet. The Shannon parish website has a section dedicated to the Matt Talbot Novena in an attempt to reach out to as many people as possible in their struggle with addictions or with people whose lives are caught up in addictions. The Matt Talbot Novena is offered each year to give encouragement and spiritual support to people in times of suffering and stress. A warm welcome awaits all who come.

Send us a Petition for the Matt Talbot Novena
(Name & email address not required) Click link.

Source: http://www.shannonparish.ie/2010/09/lay-down-your-burdens-at-the-matt-talbot-novena/

Seamus Ford's Portrayal of Venerable Matt Talbot

In our March 28, 2010 post titled, "Actor Seamus Ford portrays Matt Talbot in 1988 video," we noted this 1988 forty-five minute movie video was for sale on EBay, which is no longer available from its producer, Pauline Books & Media.

Thanks to the "unclecoffee's Channel," a twenty-four minute version of this movie is now available in two parts on YouTube:

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IT1Yw8J07Rc&feature=related
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vJ76HEUr3s&feature=related

Note that this video's Part 2 title, "Matt Talbot: Servant of God, 1845-1924," has incorrect dates. Venerable Matt Talbot was born in 1856 and died in 1925.

Rosary of the Hours Book Dedicated to Venerable Matt Talbot

In our search for information on Venerable Matt Talbot, we periodically find a book, message, reference or article dedicated to Matt, even though the content may not be specifically related to him. One example is this free eBook, The Rosary of the Hours, published by Our Sunday Visitor Publishers (2008) and compiled by a Brother of Penance of the Secular Franciscan Order. (JB)

The Rosary of the Hours: Introducing a New Way to Pray an Ancient Prayer

"St. Paul exhorted the young Church to pray always. And over the course of centuries, the Church introduced the Rosary, a simple yet profound prayer for praising God and meditating on the holy mysteries of Christ and His Blessed Mother. Now there is a way to pray the Rosary "around the clock," whereby a decade, with its own special theme, may be prayed for each of the twenty-four hours of the day.
Whether for Eucharistic Adoration in your parish, or for private devotion in your home -- or wherever or whatever your circumstances -- the Rosary of the Hours provides a simple and inspirational method of sanctifying every hour. Specially chosen prayers from the Psalms, beautiful meditations gleaned from the Popes, and suggested Scripture passages for further meditation are yours, to inspire and comfort, whatever the time, day or night.
Our Sunday Visitor provides the Rosary of the Hours free-of-charge to all." 

  

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/the-rosary-of-the-hours/id495581966?mt=8

Click here to download in single pages (PDF format)»
Click to download in booklet form (PDF format)»

2010 Dublin Diocesan Matt Talbot Committee

The current Matt Talbot Committee's Executive Chairman is V. Rev. Brian Lawless, the new Vice-Postulator for the Cause of Venerable Matt Talbot. (JB)

2010 DUBLIN DIOCESAN MATT TALBOT COMMITTEE
Chairman: Most Rev. Diarmuid Martin
Executive Chairman: V. Rev. Brian Lawless
Email: frbrian@stagathasparish.ie

Secretary: Appointment Pending

Members: Mr. Patrick Behan, Mr. Thomas Brennan,
Brother Christopher Carroll, Mrs. Patricia Ferrari,
Mr. Anthony Malone, Mrs. Mary McCann,
Rev. Bernard McGuckian, S.J.,Mr. Gerard McLaughlin,
Mr. Bernard Nolan, V. Rev. Michael Casey, Adm.
Paula Murray, Vera Brady.

How Does "Blessed" Differ From "Venerable?"

"Ask a Franciscan"

St. Anthony Messenger

August 2010

Q: In the process of canonizing someone, what is the difference between Blessed and Venerable? I am very fond of Venerable Matt Talbot (1856-1925), who achieved sobriety after years of battling alcoholism. Do you have any information about the status of his cause?

A: The progression of titles is Servant of God (cause has been completed on the diocesan level and accepted in Rome), Venerable (a person's life and writings have been investigated and found to reflect heroic virtue), Blessed (can be venerated liturgically in certain places or by certain groups of people) and Saint (can be venerated liturgically throughout the world).

A person moves from Venerable to Blessed in one of two ways: he or she is judged to have died because of "hatred for the faith" or he or she is judged to have been involved in the miraculous cure of an individual. A second miracle is needed to be declared a saint.

In our world of instant communication, the local-versus-worldwide distinction regarding veneration has become harder to maintain. Blessed Padre Pio (1887-1968) was venerated far beyond Italy and the Capuchin family before his canonization in 2002. Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta (1910-1997) inspires some people much more than many canonized saints. Both were widely admired before they were beatified.

Matt Talbot was declared Venerable in 1975. A miracle is needed before he can be beatified. A Venerable Matt Talbot Resource Center is available on the Internet.

Source: http://www.americancatholic.org/Messenger/Aug2010/Wiseman.asp#top

Video about Venerable Matt Talbot

Fr. James Kubicki, S.J., narrates a two-minute introductory video about Matt Talbot, Alcoholics Anonymous, and finding God.

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbVu-3UliNc or http://www.xt3.com/library/view.php?id=2909&categoryId=36


Note: A promotion clip of a DVD about Matt's life story can be found by clicking our "documentary film" and "DVD" labels. The DVD includes an interview with Matt's grand niece among others.

Asking for Matt Talbot's help in prayer

"Gentle Matt,

I turn to you in my present needs and ask for the help of your prayers.

Trusting in you, I am confident your charitable and understanding heart will make my petitions your own.

I believe that you are truly powerful in the presence of Divine Mercy.

If it be for the glory of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the honour of Mary, our Mother and Queen and the deepening of my relationship with them,

show that your goodness towards me, in my daily struggles, equals your influence with the Holy Spirit, who is hidden and at home in my Heart.
Friend of pity, friend of power, hear, oh hear me in this hour,
gentle Matt, please pray for me."

Source: http://matthewtalbot.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6&Itemid=2

Matt Talbot Annual Mass

The Annual Matt Talbot Mass will take place in Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel, Sean Mc Dermott Street, Sunday the 13th of June 2010 at 4.00pm The mass will be celebrated by the Vice-Postulator of the cause of the Venerable Matt Talbot, the Very Reverend Brian Lawless. Prayer for the Canonisation of Matt Talbot A Brief Chronology of Matt Talbot's Life.

	Source: http://www.dublindiocese.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1945&Itemid=44

85th Anniversary of Venerable Matt Talbot's Death

Today is the 85th anniversary of the death of the Venerable Matt Talbot, although his "Remembrance Day" is typically noted on June 19.

"Lord, as you did with Venerable Matt Talbot, help us to overcome all attachments and addictions that are self-destructive. Make us a new creation. Amen."

(This prayer is posted at http://www.flickr.com/photos/guadalupehouse96734/4657670366/.)

New Vice-Postulator for the Cause of Venerable Matt Talbot appointed

According to the new Official Matt Talbot website (http://www.procathedral.ie/matt-talbot) and a

confirmation email from the former Vice-Postulator, Rev. Damian O'Reilly, a new Vice-Postulator has been announced in Dublin.

As noted on the website, "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.

His email address is frbrian@stagathasparish.ie

Possible Facebook Confusion About Venerable Matt Talbot

To avoid possible confusion, there is a new (April, 2010) Facebook page that claims to be the official Facebook Page of the Venerable Matt Talbot.

Please note that it does not have any connection with the "Venerable Matt Talbot Resource Center," despite a link on their Facebook page to one of our postings.

Personal contact with the resource center is encouraged and available at Email

Actor Seamus Ford portrays Matt Talbot in 1988 video

A rarely available copy of Matt Talbot-Servant of God 1856-1924 on VHS is currently for sale on eBay, with the following description:

"Matt Talbot worked in a Dublin timber yard at the turn of the century. At an early age he became addicted to alcohol. He experienced a conversion and went on to lead a life of asceticism and sanctity. In this video, Matt "returns" to present day Dublin. He relives the story of his life and conversion in dramatic fashion. Matt Talbot is played by Seamus Ford. one of Ireland's most accomplished actors."

More information about this video can be found at

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Matt-Talbot-Servant-of-God-1856-1924-VHS_W0QQitemZ200446155968QQcmdZViewItemQQptZVHS?hash=item2eab859cc0

This video, produced by the Daughters of St. Paul (Pauline Books & Media), runs 45 minutes but is no longer in stock.

Note update: This video is no longer available on the eBay link above but is available on YouTube as noted in our September 25, 2010 post at http://venerablematttalbotresourcecenter.blogspot.com/2010/09/portrayal-of-matt-talbot-on-youtube_635.html

Talk to the Saints during Lent

As one of her "12 Ways to Pray During Lent," Therese Borchard suggests that her readers talk with various saints during Lent, including the Venerable Matt Talbot if struggling with alcoholism and drug addiction. (JB)

Talk to the Saints ( Slide 12)

Yes, as a typical Catholic, I'm crazy about the saints. Why wouldn't I be? They have every neurosis and insecurity covered! St. Joseph takes care of those prone to panic attacks while traveling. For twitching, Bartholomew the Apostle is your dude. Those roaming the house in their sleep can call on Dymphna. The Venerable Matt Talbot is patron saint to those struggling with alcoholism and drug addiction. And, of course, St. Jude covers the hopeless causes.

Personally, I pray a novena to Saint Therese every day--during Lent and every other liturgical season. Maybe it's because I was named after her, but this saint's "little ways" to God are much more appealing than the heady theology of Saint Thomas Aquinas. In reading words by Therese, I'm comforted because she experienced the same annoyances and distractions that I do. And she's a saint!

I also have a special devotion to Mary. Now that I'm a mom, I can appreciate how much she must have suffered watching her Son be crucified. I also know if I beg her to deliver a message to her boy, she'll be sure it gets there. She's a mom. She's responsible.

Source: http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Christianity/2008/09/12-Ways-to-Pray-During-Lent.aspx?nlsource=11&source=NEWSLETTER&utm_campaign=Bible&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_source=NL

Note: Theresa J. Borchard is the author of the spirituality and mental health blog, Beyond Blue, at beliefnet.com (http://blog.beliefnet.com/beyondblue/).

Matt Talbot and St. Francis de Sales

Despite very limited formal schooling, Matt Talbot slowly learned to read the Bible and spiritual writings with help from spiritual advisors after his conversion and as he began to recover from alcoholism. One of the books that Matt read and kept in his book collection was "Introduction to the Devout Life," by St. Francis de Sales, although Matt read other books by him. (JB)

Saint of the Day: Sunday, January 24, 2010:

St. Francis de Sales

(1567-1622)

http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintOfDay/default.aspx

Francis was destined by his father to be a lawyer so that the young man could eventually take his elder’s place as a senator from the province of Savoy in France. For this reason Francis was sent to Padua to study law. After receiving his doctorate, he returned home and, in due time, told his parents he wished to enter the priesthood. His father strongly opposed Francis in this, and only after much patient persuasiveness on the part of the gentle Francis did his father finally consent. Francis was ordained and elected provost of the Diocese of Geneva, then a center for Calvinists. Francis set out to convert them, especially in the district of Chablais. By preaching and distributing the little pamphlets he wrote to explain true Catholic doctrine, he had remarkable success.

At 35 he became bishop of Geneva. While administering his diocese he continued to preach, hear confessions and catechize the children. His gentle character was a great asset in winning souls. He practiced his own axiom, “A spoonful of honey attracts more flies than a barrelful of vinegar.”Besides his two well-known books, the Introduction to the Devout Life and A Treatise on the Love of God, he wrote many pamphlets and carried on a vast correspondence. For his writings, he has been named patron of the Catholic Press. His writings, filled with his characteristic gentle spirit, are addressed to lay people. He wants to make them understand that they too are called to be saints. As he wrote in The Introduction to the Devout Life: “It is an error, or rather a heresy, to say devotion is incompatible with the life of a soldier, a tradesman, a prince, or a married woman.... It has happened that many have lost perfection in the desert who had preserved it in the world. ”

In spite of his busy and comparatively short life, he had time to collaborate with another saint, Jane Frances de Chantal, in the work of establishing the Sisters of the Visitation. These women were to practice the virtues exemplified in Mary’s visit to Elizabeth: humility, piety and mutual charity. They at first engaged to a limited degree in works of mercy for the poor and the sick. Today, while some communities conduct schools, others live a strictly contemplative life.

Comment:

Francis de Sales took seriously the words of Christ, “Learn of me for I am meek and humble of heart.” As he said himself, it took him 20 years to conquer his quick temper, but no one ever suspected he had such a problem, so overflowing with good nature and kindness was his usual manner of acting. His perennial meekness and sunny disposition won for him the title of “Gentleman Saint.”

Quote:

Francis tells us: “The person who possesses Christian meekness is affectionate and tender towards everyone: he is disposed to forgive and excuse the frailties of others; the goodness of his heart appears in a sweet affability that influences his words and actions, presents every object to his view in the most charitable and pleasing light.”


Note: Additional information about St. Francis de Sales can be found at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_de_Sales and http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06220a.htm

Native Americans support campaign for Matt Talbot

Independent Catholic News

October 2, 2000

http://www.indcatholicnews.com/news.php?viewStory=13938

A group of Native American Indians came to Dublin last week for a special Mass to support the beatification of Matt Talbot. Dallas Chief Eagle was among an international congregation who joined President Mary McAleese at a Mass in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Dublin, to promote the cause of Talbot, who died in 1925. "The Pope has shown a particular interest in Matt Talbot and commended him to the bishops of Africa as a protector of those who suffer from any kind of addiction," a spokesman said. Talbot was officially declared 'Venerable' in 1973 - one of the first steps on the road to sainthood.

Born in 1856, to great poverty, Talbot began drinking at the age of 12. By his 20s he was a serious alcoholic but in 1884 he underwent a conversion experience and became a teetotaller and ascetic. Talbot gave away all his possessions and spent the rest of his life praying and fasting.

Since his death 75 years ago, a cult has grown around the world with hostels and rehab centres named after him in Poland, Australia and Scotland. There are five Talbot centres in Glasgow alone. Fr Morgan Costelloe, the vice-postulator of his cause, is going to Krakow in Poland later this year to open a new hospital for recovering alcoholics which is dedicated to his name. More than 50,000 people have joined the Matt Talbot retreat movement in Canada, the United States and Mexico.

Note: We appreciate Independent Catholic News (http://www.indcatholicnews.com/index.php)

for maintaining a link to our resource center (listed as Matt Talbot Resource Center).

Prayer For Healing of Alcoholics and Addicts

by "Sparrowfallen"

http://sparrowfallen.blogspot.com/2010/01/prayer-intention-7-for-healing-of.html

Saturday, January 16, 2010

My seventh prayer intention of the year 2010 is one that is of deep personal meaning: I will pray in a special way for the healing of alcoholics and addicts, and those who love them and care for them.

The initial purpose of this blog was to testify to the miraculous grace of healing I have been given by Christ, in the form of a release from the "little Hell" of active alcoholism. I was painfully and sorrowfully confined within the prison of my own self-will, in the strong bonds of alcoholism: joyless, listless, and, in the end, hopeless. I carry some of the wounds with me to this day; perhaps I will as long as I live, but my faith and hope lead me to conclude that healing is always at work, albeit sometimes more slowly than I believe it should be.

The affliction of alcoholism left me with flagging will, tattered memory, and erratic intellect; the healing power of Christ has given me hope, faith, and charity. I have been given graces far beyond anything I deserve, but which I gladly and gratefully accept: loving friends, opportunities to use my talents for God's glory, a community of believers, strengthened relationships with family. All of these things I have seen happen not only for me, but for other people of all backgrounds who have come to know God and to accept the forgiveness offered through His Son.

The Carmelite priest Fr. Augustine-Marie of the Blessed Sacrament, (Hermann Cohen), once said in a sermon, "Do you believe, my brothers, that God converted us just for our own benefit? No, a thousand times no. It is for others as much as for ourselves, that they may avoid the reefs against which we have shipwrecked. Yes, He has nailed us as signposts before the gates of Hell to say, 'Don't go this way.'"

Though he was speaking in the terms of one who came into the Church from Judaism, Father Cohen's words resonate with me and are a motto of mine. I, too, have been nailed as a signpost before the gates of Hell, and it is my hope that through my prayers and my testimony that other suffering alcoholics and addicts might come to know the forgiveness and peace of friendship with Christ.

I offer my Saturday prayers for the healing and consolation of alcoholics and addicts, through the intercession of the Venerable Matt Talbot.

Note: We thank "Sparrowfallen" for permission to cross-post his prayer.

A New Life One Day at a Time

Matt Talbot did not make a New Year's resolution to stop drinking, but he did sign a three month pledge with a priest to not drink. During those first three months he frequently told his mother that he honestly didn't think he would make it, but with the grace of God and the help of others he did make it, one day at a time. In order to do so, he had to make major changes in his life, which centered on doing God's will. (JB)


Resolution: One Day at a Time

Sober Catholic Blogspot

December 31, 2009

As we begin a new year soon, we are often reminded of the popular cultural custom of making resolutions for the rest of the year. Always intended to be a means for self-improvement, they are ultimately self-defeating. We more often than not fail to maintain our resolve for a new and better self because we do not have the endurance or discipline necessary to think in terms of an entire year.

And so as we learn in our recovery program, mostly 12 Step ones, that we must take things "one day at a time." We can more easily comprehend the next 24 hours, or at least the stretch of hours until bedtime, than we can the next 365 days.

And therefore this is what we do. "Today I will not worry. I will worry about tomorrow when tomorrow comes." Jesus says in Scripture:

Matthew 6:34: "Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil."

Source: http://sobercatholic.blogspot.com/2009/12/resolution-one-day-at-time.html

Pope John Paul II joins Matt Talbot as "Venerable"

The late Pope John Paul II, who as a boy had written a paper about Matt Talbot and had supported the cause of the Venerable Matt Talbot as the patron of alcoholics, has now himself been declared "Venerable." (JB)

" Pope Benedict XVI has signed a decree recognizing the late Pope John Paul II's life of “heroic virtue.” With his signature, Benedict XVI throws the door wide open to the beatification of the much-loved Polish Pontiff and gives him the title "Venerable."

On Saturday morning, the Congregation for the Causes of Saints led by Archbishop Angelo Amato met with Pope Benedict XVI to celebrate their 40th anniversary as a dicastery of the Holy See and to present decrees for papal approval. Pope John Paul II's name was among the Congregation's nominations for those possessing “heroic virtue.”

The next step towards canonization of John Paul II is a second decree to be signed by the Pope that attributes a miracle to him. It is thought that this miracle will be one that has already taken place but has not yet been officially recognized. The miracle involves a French nun who was cured of Parkinson´s disease through John Paul II's intercession.

Following the approval of his first miracle, Venerable Karol Woytilya would be eligible for beatification, and pending a second miracle, he could be declared a saint.

The Vatican has processed his case in record time. Since the Pontiff´s death, less than five years have passed. Five years is the normal amount of time that must go by before the Holy See can begin the investigation process. In this case, Pope Benedict made an exception just a little over a month after John Paul II's death in March of 2005."

Source: Vatican City, Dec 19, 2009 / 11:28 am (CNA)

A Prayer for Facing Temptation

All of us face strong attachments, if not actual addictions. Matt Talbot prayed constantly and struggled mightily each day, especially during those early months of sobriety.

In those moments of temptation, among other things, we can say prayers of our own creation or recite those written by others, such as the following one. For those written by others, it may be helpful to actually write those out that have personal appeal and keep them with us for those moments of temptation that will repeatedly occur. (JB)

Gracious God,

I so easily fall prey to patterns of behavior that separate me from you and others.

I want to do the right thing, the good thing, the loving thing, but temptation stalks the rim of my life like a prowling animal.

Before I know it, I’ve fallen into its grasp and begun the downward spiral into what is less than full life.

Help me, Lord, to see when temptation is trying to cleverly captivate me.

Give me the strength and fortitude to make choices for health and spiritual wholeness.

Keep me faithful in my love for you and faithful to the wonder of being given the gift of life.

I ask this for the sake of your love.

Source: http://www.explorefaith.org/prayer/prayer/prayers_for_living/a_prayer_for_facing_temptation.php

Praying to Mary (and Matt Talbot) for Sobriety?

Comprehensive articles and biographies of Matt Talbot have noted that he had a special devotion for Mary, Mother of God.

A legitimate question, especially among non-Catholics, regarding Mary is posed below (and might be extended to praying to saints and the Venerable Matt Talbot for recovery from alcoholism). (JB)

"Glad You Asked"

Claretian Teaching Ministry

Fr. John Hampsch, C.M.F.

November 28, 2009

"If Jesus is the only mediator between God and humanity, isn't attention to Mary superfluous or even distracting from a focus on Christ?"

You are correct in stating that the Bible names Jesus as the only mediator between God and humans (l Tim. 2:5; Acts 4:12; Heb. 7:25). However, in each of these citations, as the context shows, it refers to him as redemptive mediator (Savior or Redeemer). Mary’s mediatorship is non-redemptive; it is only petitionary (impetrative) mediatorship, just as your own mediatorship would be if you prayed to God for me at my request. No Scripture passage states that Jesus is the only intercessor or prayer mediator – although he is the greatest one (Heb. 7:25, 9:24; Rom. 8:34; Is. 53:12; 1 Jn. 2:1), and the one through whom all prayer must ultimately pass to reach the Father (Jn. 14:6).

Vatican II states (Lumen Gentium, art. 62) that no creature, even Mary, can be put on the level of Jesus, the only Redeemer. However, just as Jesus’ singular eternal priesthood is shared by both his ministers and the laity in various ways (I Pet. 2:5), and as his one goodness is radiated among creatures in various ways (l Tim. 4:4), so also his unique mediation does not exclude but rather gives rise to a manifold shared mediation, in petitionary form, within which Mary’s is preeminent.

It was this petitionary mediation that Paul requested of the Ephesians, asking them to pray “for all the saints [believers]” and he “prayed” for them to pray for himself (Eph. 6: 18-19; 1 Thess. 5:25), while he himself prayed for others (Eph. 3:16; Col. 1:3), as did Epaphras (Col. 4:12). Mary’s intercessory power with Jesus is of the same type as that of St. Paul and Epaphras, and the same as yours or mine, namely petitionary. But as the “highly favored one – full of grace” (Lk. 1:28), hers is far more powerful, as evidenced by her successful intercession for the embarrassed host at the Cana wedding, persuading Jesus to work his first miracle, even before his planned time (In. 2:4).

Mary in heaven is not deprived of that intercessory power that she exercised on earth, since heaven is a place not of deprivation but fulfillment, as implied in Hebrews 11 :40. Even in the Old Testament we find examples of deceased persons (Jeremiah and Onias) prayerfully interceding for the living (2 Mac. 15: 12-16). Those in heaven have more prayer power than they had on earth, for they are not faith-limited in heaven, since they see God directly (Job 19:26; 1 Cor. 13:12; 1 In. 3:2).

In response to your assertion that Marian devotion “distracts” from Christocentric devotion: Vatican II in the Constitution on the Church (art. 51) states, “Let the faithful be taught that our communion with those in heaven [by veneration] … in no way diminishes the worship of adoration given to God the Father, through Christ, in the Spirit; on the contrary, it greatly enriches it.” In the treatise on Mariology the same document states that Mary’s salutary influence “flows from the merits of Christ, rests on his mediation … and draws all its power from it. It does not hinder in any way the immediate union of the faitlhful with Christ, but on the contrary, fosters it … it neither takes away nor adds anything to the dignity and efficacy of Christ, the one Mediator” (art. 60 and 62, quoting a formulation of St. Ambrose).

Your phrase, “praying to Mary,” shows a misunderstanding common to both Catholics and non-Catholics, regarding Mary’s role in our devotion. The Catholic Church does not teach us to pray to Mary or to any saint; if the phrase “pray to” is used in the strictest theological sense, it can be said that we pray only to God. But we do “prayerfully address” Mary, asking her to pray for us and with us to God, as in the Hail Mary: “pray for us sinners … ”

Thus, Mary’s mediation is not a “relay” system; she does not relay our needs to God as if they go through her to him. Rather, our prayers to God “parallel” her prayers to God for us, like two arrows going simultaneously Godward, in tandem. Mary doesn’t stand “between” us and God to forward our prayers to him, but exercises her mediatorship by joining us in a fellowship of prayer, as mandated by Jesus: “If two of you agree to ask anything … ” (Mt. 18:19).

Source: http://www.catholicbooks.net/?p=306

Matt Talbot Medallion

Various Matt Talbot medals, medallions, tokens, prayer cards, and prayer beads are commercially available. One such medallion available at Matt Talbot Retreats can be viewed on their homepage and is available at

http://matttalbotretreats.org/2009/10/matt-talbot-member-groups-information-and-forms/
and the medallion for those who attend a retreat is described at: matttalbotretreats.org/wp.../THEMEDALLION-working-3.pdf

Hope Does Not Disappoint*

Sustained by God's love, we can move mountains.

The Word Among Us

November 2009

Let’s face it. Life can be difficult at times.

It wouldn’t take much for us to come up with a list of woes that plague the world: War, famine, drug abuse, violence, and sexual abuse are just the first items that come to mind. In one way or another, we all feel the effects of these woes. Even if our lives are trouble free, just dwelling on global tragedies like grinding poverty, human trafficking, or ethnic wars can make us anxious. And then there are the times when we face painful difficulties in our own lives or those of our loved ones: a broken marriage, a wayward child, or an incurable illness.

Yet in the midst of all these difficulties, God wants us to know that he is with us. He wants to tell us that he suffers with us and that he wants to help us by affirming his love for us. In fact, we could make the case that God’s love is most present to us as we work through the difficulties and sufferings we all face.

This truth is spelled out most clearly in St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans. Reflecting on his own experience, even as he sketches out God’s overall plan of salvation, Paul wrote: “Affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us” (Romans 5:3-5).

In these few verses, Paul reveals how God’s love helped him grow in holiness during his own times of trial. Paul discovered the liberating truth that God’s love is the one constant, guiding us through the storms of life, all the while making us like Jesus. Let’s take a closer look at these verses, examining three distinct ways that God’s love comes to us as we deal with suffering and affliction.

Love’s Three Effects. Before we look at these specific verses, it’s helpful to see that Paul himself prefaces them with uplifting, inspiring truths: We are justified by faith, we have peace with God, we are surrounded by his grace, and we even have the promise of eternal life with him (Romans 5:1-2). So it is critical for us to know that God’s love is at work in us even before we face any afflictions.

This is why Paul is able to say that we can endure any affliction that comes our way. It’s true that the trials of life can present serious challenges to our faith. They can lead us to question whether God is just or kind. We may even ask whether God is punishing us for some unknown sin. But because we are already in Christ, these trials also have the potential to help us push on with our faith. They can become opportunities to reassert our trust in the Lord regardless of what we are experiencing. As we take on this perspective, we find God’s love strengthening us, encouraging us to persevere, and even giving us supernatural strength to continue.

Paul says next that endurance through trial can have a positive effect on our character. When we persevere through our afflictions, we give the Lord the opportunity to shape our character. We grow in virtues such as kindness, compassion, loyalty, honesty, and obedience. What’s more, the character that is formed by our perseverance is not just any good character. It’s the very character of Christ. We begin to think and to love as Jesus did. Just as Jesus stayed close to his Father despite his many trials and difficulties, we too can stay close to him. And just as Jesus “learned obedience” through his suffering, we too can grow in godly virtue as we face our own sufferings with endurance and faith (Hebrews 5:8).

Finally, Paul tells us that there is a relationship between godly character and the virtue of hope. We all learn far more about ourselves—our strengths and our weaknesses—during times of stress than we do when life is going well. So when we see our character being transformed and built up in the midst of trial, we also see hope for our lives. We see that we are passing the test and that Jesus has not abandoned us. We grow in confidence. We see light at the end of the tunnel. We know that God is working in us, that we will make it through this trial, and that we will be better off for having gone through it.

All of this comes to us—amazingly, miraculously, and simply—because God has poured his love into us. It comes to us because he never stops pouring out his love.

Ever-Increasing Hope. Let’s be clear: Paul is not just speaking about a step-by-step psychological process in which one virtue leads naturally to another. And neither is he speaking only about the value of noble determination—although it does play a part. More than these, he is speaking about the power of God’s love, which helps us hold our ground and even grow closer to Jesus as we face life’s trials.

So what is this “hope” that doesn’t disappoint? At its core, it’s faith that Jesus is in charge of the whole universe. It’s faith that God has a good and loving plan for our lives. It’s faith that Jesus will come again to bring us into his kingdom. It’s faith that we will be with him in heaven. “Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). We put our faith and our hope in Jesus because we believe that he is faithful and loving. We believe that he will never abandon us.

Paul is not saying that the only way to grow in hope is through affliction and suffering. But he is telling us how to deal with the afflictions that come our way. He is giving us a strategy to help us see our way through difficult times—a strategy that both helps us endure with faith and that gives us the extra benefit of building us up in Christ. As we learn to rely on God’s love, which is constantly flowing to us, we can find the strength we need to persevere. It is his love that will sustain us, and it is his love that will shape us. It is his love, and only his love, that will move us to place our hope in Jesus and in his plan for our lives.

God’s Love Poured into Our Hearts. “Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us” (Romans 5:5). Everything we have looked at so far depends on this one sentence. Without this outpouring of divine love, Paul’s line of reasoning cannot stand. He is not saying that affliction has the power in and of itself to transform us into the character of Christ. It’s the experience of God’s love that enables us to endure, to form a godly character, and to learn to live in real, lasting hope.

In your mind’s eye, try to picture God’s love as a steady, heavy downpour of rain. It’s not a light drizzle. It’s not an occasional sprinkling. It’s a constant showering of love, ministered to us by the Holy Spirit. It’s an outpouring of divine grace that comes to us like “water upon the thirsty ground, and streams upon the dry land” to refresh us and give us hope and courage (Isaiah 44:3).

We may think we don’t deserve such love. We may think that God has only a small amount set aside for us. We may even think that he will love us only if we are able to get rid of our sins. But none of these thoughts makes sense when we look at this one sentence from St. Paul. If God is constantly pouring out love over the whole world, why would we ever think he would exclude us?

An Everlasting Love. Brothers and sisters, God wants to show us his love every day. It doesn’t matter if we are in the midst of some serious affliction or if everything is going well. He wants to pour out his love upon us. He wants to teach us how to persevere and endure the challenges of life. He wants his love to be the primary force that shapes our character. He wants his love to become a foundation for our lives so that we can live in hope and confidence, not in fear or resignation.

God has loved us from the very beginning of creation. He loved us through all of Israel’s ups and downs. He loved us enough to send Jesus to redeem us by the cross. He loved us enough to send the Holy Spirit to us at Pentecost. And he will continue to love us every day of our lives—until the end of time.

Source: http://wau.org/archives/article/hope_does_not_disappoint/

*Note: There is much in this article that we can reflect on with regards to our own lives as well as the life of Matt Talbot.