Details:

Includes a full-color holy card with two healing prayers, a saint biography and an oxidized silver patron saint medal, made in Italy.

Matt Talbot was born May 2, 1856, the second of 12 children born to Charles and Elizabeth Talbot. He grew up in the poverty of Dublin's inner city and began drinking at age 12. He quickly became a chronic alcoholic and spent most of his teens and early adulthood frequenting pubs.

After 16 years of drinking, Matt decided to find a priest, go to confession, and take a pledge to stop drinking. He found sobriety through much prayer, daily Mass, hard work, and self-sacrifice.

Matt remained sober for 40 years until he died in 1925. Penitential chains were found wrapped around his body after his death and his reputation for holiness became widespread. In 1931, the Church made its first inquiry into Matt Talbot's life. The decree on his virtues was issued on October 3, 1975, by Pope Paul VI.

Venerable Matt Talbot is recognized today as the patron of those suffering from alcoholism. His life story has been an inspiration for alcoholics throughout the world.