|
Father Joseph C. Martin, S.S.
October 12, 1924 -
March 9, 2009
My name is Joe Martin, and
I'm an alcoholic.
Father Martin first uttered this statement in 1958, when he was in treatment for
alcoholism at the Guest House, what would prove to be a refuge for him from his
drinking and a turning point in his life. His personal journey in recovery
prompted a celebrated career in which his only aim was to ease the suffering of
individuals and families, around the world, affected by addiction.
He was born on October 12,
1924 in Baltimore, Maryland. He quickly developed a fondness for religion and
faith. People fondly recall his special story-telling ability and wonderful
sense of humor. In 1942, Father Martin graduated from Loyola College and entered
St. Mary's seminary. He was ordained a priest in 1948 and underwent rigorous
training to become a Sulpician, a highly regarded teaching society within the
Catholic Church. After losing this coveted distinction as a result of his
drinking, only in sobriety did he regain this title.
Father Martin taught minor
seminarians and fulfilled several teaching roles within the church. It was very
evident that he possessed a special ability to educate but his drinking became
very troublesome and he was eventually directed to seek help at the Guest House.
Father Martin frequently cited the tremendous impact his mentor Austin Ripley
had on his journey in recovery. Many of Father Martin's teachings originated in
concepts he learned while at the Guest House. His enthusiasm for sobriety
coupled with his passion for teaching evolved into an unending quest to ease the
suffering of individuals and families affected by addiction. In his career,
spanning more than 35 years, Father Martin was catapulted into international
acclaim as a prized speaker and educator on addiction and recovery thru the
Twelve Steps. He founded Kelly Productions in 1972 and used it as a platform to
capture the minds and hearts of millions of people.
Father Martin's message is
no less relevant today than in 1972. He will continue to inspire love, service,
helpfulness to others, and recovery through the use of his films, audio
lectures, and books. In his last year, he shared his vision that he can be
remembered so that the still suffering individual affected by addiction might
benefit from his God-inspired message of hope. |
