Matt Talbot has been an inspiration for those struggling with addiction since his original evangelizations in late 19th century Ireland. His story of taking the pledge to never drink again after an early life of alcoholism has been a guiding light for many, and the new documentary, “Matt Talbot: Urban Mystic,” tells this story to bring his message into the modern day. 

The National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics reports that about 21% of Americans are struggling with alcoholism. 

The Sheen Center for Thought and Culture held the New York premiere of the film on Monday, December 15. Highlights included Cardinal Timothy Dolan’s appearance in the documentary, as he was interviewed to give his perspective on how Talbot’s story can help those struggling with addiction. 

“When I was first assigned as a parish priest in St. Louis, the pastor told me when you have people come in to see you who are struggling with the drink or any kind of addiction, boy oh boy, you can’t go wrong telling them the story of Matt Talbot,” said Cardinal Dolan in the film. “I get a Christmas card every year from a woman who came to see me when I was first ordained. Every year, she says, ‘I’m still sober,’ and she attributes it to Matt Talbot. As a priest and a bishop, I can testify how many people have been helped by his example and his intercession. I hope he’s blessed and a saint one day.” 

Director aims to reduce stigma 

The Good Newsroom also had an opportunity to speak with the director, producer, and editor of the documentary, Bill Rose, to discuss the film and Matt Talbot’s mission. The documentary shines a sympathetic light on those in the throes of addiction to try to lessen the stigma of getting help. “We’ve had many people so far come to us after seeing the film and explain how they finally understand what their mom or dad was going through leading up to their death from addiction,” Rose said. 

The film tackles the story of Matt Talbot through recreations and dramatizations of his faith life and transition, from alcoholism to his life of penance and charity. Interspersed with the retelling of Talbot’s story are many interviews with those who have been impacted by Talbot’s mission and those who are preaching his story even today. 

Path to sainthood 

Another aspect of the documentary is Talbot’s path to sainthood. Bill Rose told us, “Faithful Matt Talbot devotees have told me that before this film was made, Matt Talbot’s cause had slowed so much that it was almost dead. I think the film, paired with the incredible work in Ireland done around the 100th anniversary of his death, has revived and spread devotion like wildfire. So, keep praying and keep invoking Matt’s intercession when things seem hopeless, and his relationship with Jesus will bring us closer to healing, grace, and eternal happiness!” 

Currently, Matt Talbot is a Venerable Servant of God, and the next step is his beatification through verification of miracles in his name. The film touches on the difficulty of this next step as the “curing of alcoholism” does not constitute a physical miracle according to the Church. As Talbot’s story continues to change the lives of many, there may come a time when his name is blessed and those who have been healed by his intercession may rejoice. 

See the trailer for “Matt Talbot: Urban Mystic” here.