Our school is named after Matt Talbot.

Who was he?

Matt was a regular Dubliner who died 100 years ago, in 1925.

He is special because of his life. He became addicted to alcohol, but then overcame his addiction through a life of prayer. He is a special example of hope to all of us who become addicted to something harmful, like drink or drugs.

Matt started drinking in his early teens and was soon addicted, spending all his wages and spare time in the pubs. He was 28 when he realised he was a slave to drink and gave it up, firstly for 3 months, then 12 months, then giving it up for life. For strength, he modeled his life on the early Irish monks, living very simply and turning his attention to God and to prayer. He quietly gave much of his wages from his job on the docks to neighbours who were poor. He stayed off the drink for 41 years until his death. He died on June 7th, 1925, in the heart of Dublin.

He is an example to all young people who are addicted that they can change their lives with the help of God.

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If you’d like to learn more about Matt, from interviews with people who knew him, you can watch this documentary, made in 1963.

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The Irish Catholic newspaper has details on the events happening this weekend. They include a Mass, a movie, and talks.

Here is a copy and paste from the paper:

  • Friday: “The Centenary weekend will commence at Our Lady of Lourdes, Sean McDermott Street, on Friday, June 6 at 7pm with a talk titled ‘Matt Talbot: A Saint for Our Times’ by Vice Postulator Fr Brian Lawless. This will be followed by an international healing service conducted by Fr Doug McKay from Our House Ministries and Mr Ken Johnston from the Calix Society, both from Philadelphia USA.
  • Saturday: “On Saturday, June 7, the Centenary Mass will take place at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral at 3pm, officiated by Archbishop Dermot Farrell. Following the Mass, there will be a procession to the tomb of Venerable Matt Talbot at Our Lady of Lourdes, Sean McDermott Street, where a wreath will be laid.
  • Sunday: “Sunday, June 8, at Our Lady of Lourdes, Sean McDermott Street, will feature two talks beginning at 2pm. The first talk, presented by Darren Butler of the Irish Bishops’ Drugs Initiative, will discuss the Church’s role in addiction and recovery. The second talk will cover the role of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association in contemporary society, delivered by Fr Robert McCabe and guest speakers. The day will conclude with a closing Mass celebrated by Bishop Michael Router IBDI.

“The weekend’s celebrations will close with a screening of the new Matt Talbot docudrama film, “Matt Talbot: Urban Mystic,” at the Gresham Hotel, O’Connell Street, at 8pm”

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