St. Dismas
The Good Thief, Biblical Saint, Model of Last-Minute Repentance
📖 Life of St. Dismas
St. Dismas is known as the "Good Thief" who was crucified alongside Jesus Christ on Calvary. His story is one of the most powerful examples of God's mercy and the possibility of redemption even at the very last moment of life. While little is known about his early life, his final moments have become a testament to the boundless mercy of God.
According to the Gospel accounts, two thieves were crucified with Jesus - one on His right and one on His left. The other thief, known as Gestas, joined the crowd in mocking Jesus, saying, "If you are the Christ, save yourself and us!" But Dismas, recognizing the innocence and divinity of Jesus, rebuked his companion, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?"
In a moment of profound humility and faith, Dismas acknowledged his own guilt and the innocence of Jesus, saying, "And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong." Then, turning to Jesus, he made his famous plea: "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
Jesus' response to Dismas is one of the most beautiful promises in all of Scripture: "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." This promise, given to a man who had lived a life of crime and was dying as a condemned criminal, demonstrates that God's mercy is available to anyone who sincerely repents and turns to Him, no matter how late in life.
While the historical details of Dismas's life are scarce, a medieval tradition from the Arabic Gospel of the Infancy tells a story of two thieves who encountered the Holy Family on their flight to Egypt. According to this tradition, Dismas paid Gestas forty drachmas to leave the Holy Family unharmed, and the Infant Jesus predicted that they would be crucified with Him in Jerusalem, with Dismas accompanying Him to Paradise.
🌟 Legacy of St. Dismas: Model of Last-Minute Repentance and God's Mercy
Spiritual Legacy
St. Dismas's legacy is one of hope, mercy, and the power of last-minute repentance. His story reminds us that it is never too late to turn to God, no matter how sinful our past may have been. He exemplifies the truth that God's mercy is greater than any sin.
Model of True Repentance
Dismas shows us what true repentance looks like: acknowledging our guilt, recognizing the innocence of others, and humbly asking for mercy. His repentance was not motivated by fear of punishment, but by genuine recognition of Jesus's divinity and his own need for salvation.
Witness to God's Mercy
As the first person to enter Paradise with Jesus, Dismas became a living testament to God's boundless mercy. His story gives hope to all sinners that God's love and forgiveness are available to anyone who sincerely seeks them, regardless of their past actions or the timing of their conversion.
Patron of Penitents
St. Dismas serves as a powerful patron for all who struggle with sin, especially those who fear it may be too late for them. His example teaches us that God's mercy is not limited by time, circumstances, or the gravity of our sins - it is limited only by our willingness to ask for it.
📅 Feast Day
Feast of St. Dismas, the Good Thief
Liturgical Celebration
The feast of St. Dismas is celebrated on March 25th, commemorating the day when he received the promise of Paradise from Jesus Christ. This day serves as a powerful reminder of God's mercy and the possibility of redemption for all sinners, no matter how late in life they may turn to Him.
Traditions and Customs
On this feast day, Catholics are encouraged to reflect on the sacrament of reconciliation and the mercy of God. It's a time to pray for those who may be struggling with sin or feel that it's too late for them to change. Many parishes emphasize the importance of confession and God's willingness to forgive.
Prayer and Devotion
The feast of St. Dismas reminds us that God's mercy is boundless and that no one is beyond redemption. It's an excellent time to pray for the intercession of this great saint and to renew our commitment to seeking God's forgiveness and showing mercy to others.
🛡️ Patronage
Primary Patronages
- • Penitents: Patron of those seeking forgiveness and conversion
- • Thieves: Protector of those who have committed theft
- • Last-Minute Conversions: Patron of deathbed conversions
- • Criminals: Guardian of those who have broken the law
- • Prisoners: Patron of those in prison
- • Death Row Inmates: Protector of those facing execution
Special Intentions
- • Repentance: Helper in turning away from sin
- • God's Mercy: Patron of those seeking divine forgiveness
- • Hope in Despair: Guardian of those who feel hopeless
- • Late Conversions: Helper for those who convert late in life
- • Forgiveness: Patron of those seeking to forgive others
- • Salvation: Guardian of those concerned about their eternal fate
🙏 Prayers
Prayer to St. Dismas
"O St. Dismas, you who received the promise of Paradise from Jesus Himself, intercede for us that we may never despair of God's mercy, no matter how great our sins may be.
Help us to follow your example of true repentance and to recognize our need for God's forgiveness. May your story remind us that it is never too late to turn to God and that His mercy is boundless.
St. Dismas, pray for us, that we may be worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen."
Short Prayer
"St. Dismas, pray for us!"
Related Saints
St. Mary Magdalene
First witness to the Resurrection and model of God's mercy, like St. Dismas a penitent saint.
St. Augustine
Doctor of the Church who converted from a sinful life, known for his famous prayer "Late have I loved you."
St. Margaret of Cortona
Italian penitent who overcame a sinful past to become a model of repentance and charity.