Matt Talbot’s legacy inspires outreach as Lincoln kitchen seeks volunteers amid rising need

Venerable Matt Talbot, an Irishman known for his journey from alcoholism to a life of deep spirituality, continues to inspire people facing addiction. After more than a decade struggling with alcohol dependency, Talbot turned to the Eucharist, the rosary, and confession. At 28, he pledged to abstain from alcohol and maintained this commitment through prayer and religious devotion.

Born in Dublin on May 2, 1856, Talbot was one of twelve children in a poor working-class family affected by poverty and alcohol abuse after Ireland’s Great Famine. He left school early with limited literacy skills and began working at age 12 for a wine merchant, where he developed a drinking habit that led to years of dependency.

Talbot worked various jobs as an unskilled laborer but spent much of his earnings on alcohol. His turning point came in 1884 when he made a pledge of sobriety after being refused credit at a pub. This initial three-month pledge marked the beginning of lifelong sobriety supported by his Catholic faith.

He found support in prayer groups and became one of the first members of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association of the Sacred Heart in 1898. With sobriety, Talbot learned to read and write, which allowed him to study biographies of saints and other spiritual works.

For the last 35 years of his life, Talbot was part of the Third Order of St. Francis. He attended daily Mass before work and adopted ascetic practices common among early Irish monks. When he died on June 7, 1925, his acts of penance—such as wearing secret chains—became known only after his death.

Pope Paul VI declared Matt Talbot “venerable” on October 3, 1975—a step toward canonization within the Catholic Church. The process typically requires two miracles attributed to intercession for sainthood recognition.

Talbot’s story is seen as evidence that recovery and change are possible regardless of past mistakes. Shrines dedicated to him exist in Dublin and Philadelphia.

In Lincoln, Nebraska, Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach was founded by Mary Costello and Ruth McKinstry to serve individuals experiencing homelessness or poverty. Each Lent, Donald Costello collects sealed letters requesting Matt Talbot’s intercession for those struggling with addiction or other concerns; these are sent to Father Brian Lawless for prayers at Mass.

Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach has seen increased demand for its meal services as community needs rise. In 2025, it provided over 263,000 meals through onsite service and its Fresh Choice Pantry—a significant increase compared to previous years.

“Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do,” said Alynn Sampson, executive director. “As more neighbors turn to us for support, we rely on the generosity of volunteer teams to ensure everyone who walks through our doors is met with dignity, compassion, and a warm meal.”

Volunteer teams have several options: purchasing ingredients and preparing meals themselves; donating funds so staff can prepare meals while volunteers serve; or providing side dishes while staff prepare main courses. Community groups are encouraged to contact Victoria O’Neil for information about volunteering opportunities.

The Diocese of Lincoln promotes adherence to Catholic traditions and offers support across southern Nebraska through communications, events, education programs, charitable efforts—including hunger relief—and parish life (official website). The diocese includes over 130 parishes and operates as a religious organization supporting followers who actively practice their beliefs (official website).

For details about donations supporting hunger relief programs at Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach in Lincoln or volunteering opportunities during periods of high demand for meals served daily in their dining room—the city’s only day center for people experiencing homelessness—interested parties can contact program directors listed above.