Venerable Matt Talbot - (1856 - 1925) From his early teens until age 28 Matt's only aim in life had been liquor. But from that point forward, his only aim was God. Matt Talbot was born May 2, 1856, the second of twelve children born to Charles and Elizabeth Talbot. In Matt's early years he knew little security or stability. Compulsory school attendance was not in force, and Matt never attended any school regularly.

At the age of twelve Matt got his first job; it was in a wine bottling store and that is when his excessive drinking began. One evening when he was 28 he went out and found a priest, went to confession and "took the Pledge" for three months. Many times he felt he would not be able to hold out for three months, but within the year he renewed the pledge for life, never touching alcohol again (41 more years). His resolve was maintained by a new life of much prayer, daily Mass, hard work and much penance. Matt Talbot collapsed and died of heart failure on June 7, 1925. Penitential chains were found on his body after his death.

After Matt's death his reputation for holiness became widespread, and by 1931 the first inquiry into his life had begun. The decree on his virtues was issued October 3, 1975.

Matt Talbot Retreats
A Matt Talbot retreat is an opportunity for recovering alcoholics to enhance their spirituality and sober way of life, in a setting that promotes fellowship and sharing thoughout the weekend. The people who attend these retreats are all recovering alcoholics.

A Retreat Leader, who is usually a recovering alcoholic and trained in spiritual matters, gives conferences on varies broad topics several times during the weekend, bringing valuable insights into the spiritual element of the disease of alcoholism.

There is no affiliation between AA and Matt Talbot Retreats. However, Matt Talbot Retreats are intended to foster and enhance spiritual recovery as suggested by AA's Twelve-Step Program.

Retreat groups are independent organizations that conduct a set of retreats each year. Each group sets the cost for its retreats. Most of the cost goes to the retreat house for room and board.

Local Retreat Schedule (2022-2023)
Retreats begin on Friday evening (no meal is served on Friday) and finish after lunch on Sunday.

Retreat Group Contacts
For more information about Matt Talbot retreats, or to make a reservation, please contact one of the group secretaries / treasurers listed below. 

Matt Talbot Retreat Movement

For information about the Matt Talbot Retreat Movement, go to their site at www.matttalbotretreats.org or contact:

The Matt Talbot Retreat Movement, Inc.
P.O. Box 572
Audubon, NJ 08106