Matt Talbot Men's Spiritual Retreat

Matt Talbot (1856-1925) was a drunken Irishman. In 1884, he experienced a moment of clarity and, against all odds, “Took the pledge” and became sober for the rest of his life. When he died on a city street some 40 years later, it was discovered that his torso was wrapped in chains. The widely accepted theory was that he wore these chains to remind himself daily of his liberation from the bondage of alcoholism. While not yet a saint, today he is venerated by the Catholic Church and has become the spiritual patron of all who suffer from the disease of alcoholism. The Matt Talbot movement began around 1941 and has now spread across the country, supporting thousands in their quest for sobriety and a spiritual path through life. In 2000 or 2001, a small group from Winston-Salem that included Bob S., Robin B., Don T., Sean H., John D., and Alan B. attended the Priestfield Matt Talbot group, M-116, at the encouragement of Patrick D. On the ride back and with the support of many others including Joe K., the idea for a new group, Matt Talbot M-140 was born and, in 2005 the group met for the first time at Valle Crucis, NC. From the beginning, the group has enjoyed the support and fellowship of several M-116 members from Northern Virginia, as well as members from the Sanford area. Every year since then, M-140 has me,t and each year our ranks have grown to include new members. The 2026 edition will be our 19th meeting after the 2020 gathering was cancelled. Join us.