Venerable Matt Talbot: Patron of Alcoholics, Those in Recovery, AA Members; Handmade Medal on Chain

A handmade medal on a chain of Matt Talbot, a poor Irishman who, for his determination to overcome his addiction and his saintliness, became a patron of alcoholics and those in recovery. (His repute in Ireland is wide enough that a bridge in Dublin was named for him.) I design, carve, and cast the medals myself (for some of the process, see the last 2 photos). The medals are made of lead-free pewter and have designs on both sides. The pendant comes on either an 18- or 24-inch stainless steel chain. Each comes in a felt jewelry pouch with a history card that states:"Matt Talbot (1856–1925) was born into a poor, hard-drinking family in Dublin. He found work with a wine merchant, and by 13 was an alcoholic, continuing that life for 16 years until, in 1884, he hit bottom and stopped drinking. He was sober for the next 40 years. He attended Mass daily and read widely in Irish religious history (the background of the front of this medal suggests a beehive hut, a dwelling used by early Irish