2015 is the 90th Anniversary of Venerable Matt Talbot, who died in 1925. Matt had been addicted to alcohol from a very young age, but came to the realization that his life was being wasted. When he was only 28 years of age, he took the bold decision to stop the drink and change his way of life. It was through prayer, spiritual reading, hard work, and acts of charity that he was able to overcome his addiction and live the Christian virtues to a heroic extent.
Today, we live in an age of addictions that have the ability to destroy our lives. Matt Talbot therefore has a strong message for us, that no matter what, it is always possible to make a new beginning.
Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Sean MacDermott Street, which hosts his mortal remains, is holding a number of events during the coming year to celebrate his legacy. It will launch the'Year of Matt Talbot' with a Novena Mass at his Shrine on Sunday 25th January at 3pm, and the opening of an exhibition illustrating his life.