Saint Dismas was the so-called Good Thief who was crucified along with another thief (later named Gestas) and Jesus on the hill called Golgotha on the outskirts of Jerusalem. Writing centuries apart, two Church Fathers, Tertullian and Augustine, claimed that the three died on March 25, the date that was designated as Dismas’s feast day.
The Gospel of Luke relates Jesus’ conversation with the two thieves, though it does not name them. After having been mocked by both the Jewish authorities and the Roman soldiers, Jesus is taunted by one thief, who challenges Jesus, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us.” (Luke 23:39) But the other thief, the Good Thief, takes the opposite view.
The Good Thief recognizes that Jesus is innocent and has done nothing wrong He also acknowledges that Jesus is the Messiah, by saying to Him, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” (Luke 23:42) To which Jesus replies, “Amen, I say to you today, you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43)
Saint Dismas is the patron Saint of those condemned to Death.
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