Death of Matt Talbot occurs on June 7, 1925, in Dublin. Once a chronic alcoholic, Talbot underwent a remarkable personal transformation in his late twenties, vowing to give up alcohol and embracing a life of deep faith, penance, and self-discipline.
With the guidance of a priest friend, Talbot modeled his life on the ascetic practices of the early Irish monks of the 6th and 7th centuries. He followed a strict regimen of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, giving away much of his modest earnings to the poor and to religious causes.
Living quietly as a labourer, Talbot became known after his death as a symbol of spiritual renewal and recovery from addiction. His cause for beatification was introduced in 1947, and he is now referred to as Venerable Matt Talbot.
