| Father Martin videos are used by Professionals and Individuals all over the World for Alcoholism treatment and Education.....He began his road to recovery in 1958 at The Guest House, which was founded and operated by Austin Ripley. While, drinking himself, Austin Ripley came across a copy of the Saturday Evening Post and discovered an article featuring Alcoholics Anonymous. The article described how this new five year old organization, was having success helping alcoholics get and stay sober. It also talked about their "Big Book" which had only been in print for 1 year. As a result of this article, Austin Ripley began his journey of recovery through Alcoholics Anonymous. |
During a year's period of time, Austin Ripley spent as much time as he could with the founders of A. A.; Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith. He gained valuable knowledge and information about them and the program they founded.
Father Martin met Austin Ripley on the first day of his stay at The Guest House. He also was introduced to a Dr. Walter Green, himself a recovering alcoholic. Dr. Green was the first to talk about the intellect and the emotion and how drugs and alcohol cause the emotions to over-rule the intellect.
Father deeply admired Austin Ripley and was so impressed with Dr. Green's lectures, that he saved his notes and 14 years later would use them to give his famous "Chalk Talks". These lectures have been heard by hundreds of thousands of people around the world. Father has always given credit to both men for teaching him everything he knows about Alcoholism.
Today, the entire treatment community mourns the loss of an icon. The death of Fr. Joseph Martin marks the end of an era. Fr. Martin's world renowned "Chalk Talk on Alcohol" changed the lives of thousands of recovering alcoholics. Fr. Martin's humor and spirituality infused his teachings with hope. He believed in the innate dignity of the human person and founded Father Martin's Ashley as an oasis where the alcoholics and addicts could heal. As Fr. Martin passes through death to life his legacy lives on at Ashley as we continue his mission of hope and healing. Truly, the world is a better place for him having been here. |
| |
 |
|
