Native Americans support campaign for Matt Talbot

A group of Native American Indians came to Dublin last week for a special Mass to support the beatification of Matt Talbot. Dallas Chief Eagle were among an international congregation who joined President Mary McAleese at a Mass in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Dublin, to promote the cause of Talbot, who died in 1925.

"The Pope has shown a particular interest in Matt Talbot and commended him to the bishops of Africa as a protector of those who suffer from any kind of addiction," a spokesman said. Talbot was officially declared 'Venerable' in 1973 - one of the first steps on the road to sainthood. Born in 1856, to great poverty, Talbot began drinking at the age of 12. By his 20s he was a serious alcoholic but in 1884 he underwent a conversion experience and became a teetotaller and ascetic.

Talbot gave away all his possessions and spent the rest of his life praying and fasting. Since his death 75 years ago, a cult has grown around the world with hostels and rehab centres named after him in Poland, Australia and Scotland.

There are five Talbot centres in Glasgow alone. Fr Morgan Costelloe, the vice-postulator of his cause, is going to Krakow in Poland later this year to open a new hospital for recovering alcoholics which is dedicated to his name. More than 50,000 people have joined the Matt Talbot retreat movement in Canada, the United States and Mexico.