Relics of patron for those suffering from addiction being brought to Limerick

THE ORDER of the Knights of St Columbanus are bringing the relics of Venerable Matt Talbot for veneration to cathedrals and churches in dioceses throughout Ireland.

Widely respected and regarded as the patron of those suffering from all types of addictions and their families, the relics of Venerable Matt Talbot will be arriving to St John's Cathedral, Limerick city at 5pm this Friday, June 27 with veneration continuing to 5.45pm. 

Holy Mass takes place at 5.45pm and veneration will continue after Mass. 

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This year is the centenary year of Venerable Matt Talbot's death. The relics consist of a first-class relic, some of his chains and his rosary beads. All are very welcome to attend.

The Dublin native was an alcoholic for 15 years until one day he decided to take “the pledge”, make a general confession and begin to attend daily Mass. According to the Francisan Secular Order, which he joined, he began to pray as intensely as he used to drink. He also tried to pay back people from whom he had borrowed or stolen while he was drinking.

Matt spent hours every night avidly reading Scripture and the lives of the saints. He prayed the rosary conscientiously and lived a life of strict penance. He died on his way to church on Trinity Sunday. Fifty years later, Pope Paul VI gave Matt Talbot the title venerable.