Today was the Solemnity of All Saints, the Feast in which the Church celebrates all Saints in Heaven, from the known (on the formal list, or canon, of Saints and Blesseds) to the unknown, (those who are in Heaven but known only to God).

Therefore it occurred to me at Mass tonight that today is the day when we alcoholics can celebrate Matt Talbot. He is not canonized, nor even beatified. Chances are he made it, but without a miracle or two attributed to his intercession, we cannot have a regular Feast day for him. So, on the assumption that since the Vatican back in 1975 declared Matt to be “Venerable” (meaning his life and work are good examples worthy of being imitated), he is probably in Heaven with the rest.

And so, since Matt has no Feast day (yet) to call his own, today and future All Saints Solemnities can be a day when we can recall his hard-working life and pre-12 Step sober example.

From the Venerable Matt Talbot Resource Center we have the
Official Prayer for the Canonization of Matt Talbot

Lord, in your servant, Matt Talbot you have given us a wonderful example of triumph over addiction, of devotion to duty, and of lifelong reverence of the Holy Sacrament. May his life of prayer and penance give us courage to take up our crosses and follow in the footsteps of Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Father, if it be your will that your beloved servant should be glorified by your Church, make known by your heavenly favours the power he enjoys in your sight. We ask this through the same Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.

I will make an attempt to write more about Matt Talbot, particularly focusing on his Way of Sobriety.

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Know someone, perhaps yourself, who might like Catholic devotionals for alcoholics? Please take a look at my books! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)