On Saturday , 7th June 2025, members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem – Lieutenancy of Ireland participated in the liturgical celebrations to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the death of the Venerable Matt Talbot – A Person of Hope and Faith and Charity. 

Matt Talbot was an Irishman whose journey from alcoholism to the heights of holiness has inspired many who struggle with addiction. 

On 3 October 1975 he was declared Venerable by Pope Pius VI.

Holy Mass was celebrated by Archbishop of Dublin, Dr. Dermot Farrell, KC*HS in the Pro-Cathedral, Marlborough Street, Dublin where Matt was baptised. 

After Mass, a procession reciting the Holy Rosary took place to the tomb of Venerable Matt Talbot in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Seán Mc Dermott Street, Dublin for the laying of a wreath and prayer for his beatification. 

Extract of the Homily of Archbishop Dermot Farrell During the celebration of Holy Mass

 “Today we mark the 100th anniversary of the death of Matt Talbot. We give thanks for his life, his faith, and his witness. We give thanks for this life of his that touches us, for the hope he has brought to thousands of people who suffer from additions, and to those that carry them, often at great cost. In the mystery of his life, the Lord had knocked on Matt’s door, and his turning to his Lord, ‘the Way, the Truth and the Life’ (John 14:6), became the way for him to fight, and overcome, his addition. His rediscovery of his Lord and his active participation in the life of the Church – some might use the word ‘conversion,’ his turning to prayer, his reconnection with the Eucharist and the community that gathered for it, were central to his recovery.  Venerable Matt Talbot, pray for us, Saint Francis of Assisi, pray for us, Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us. Amen.“