A new spiritual initiative in Derry is offering families tools to pray for protection from drug addiction.

The Matt Talbot Prayer Society will distribute Spiritual Protection Packs at a monthly Mass on Monday, July 6, 2026, at St Eugene's Cathedral. The packs contain items and prayers intended for use in blessing homes and praying for loved ones.

The Society encourages parents to bless their children's rooms weekly with Holy Water and to pray regularly for protection from drugs and addiction. A spokesperson said many families are facing the consequences of addiction, with increasing numbers of young people exposed to drugs early.

Fr. Paul Farren, Administrator of St Eugene's Cathedral, welcomed the initiative. He said the drug problem is widespread in communities and must be faced. He described drugs as coming from an evil source and expressed belief that good can overcome evil with the right approach.

The initiative follows comments by Pope Francis in June 2024, in which he called drug traffickers criminals and murderers for giving drugs to young people, and urged prayer for their conversion.

The Society is named after Matt Talbot, who started drinking at 14 and became addicted in his early twenties. He later achieved sobriety and is recognised by the Catholic Church as a model of hope for those seeking freedom from addiction.

People can enrol a loved one for prayer through the Society's website. The packs will be available free of charge.