St. Dismas
Feast 03-25
Patron of
About
Dismas is the traditional name of the penitent thief crucified beside Jesus, known from the Gospel of Luke. While the other criminal mocked Jesus, Dismas rebuked him and said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
Jesus answered him, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise." This exchange has made Dismas a powerful symbol of repentance and of God's mercy offered even at the last moment of life.
Though the Gospels do not name him, Christian tradition has long called him Dismas, and he is venerated as a saint. He is the patron saint of prisoners, the condemned, and repentant thieves, and his feast is celebrated on March 25.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, who promised paradise to the thief who asked to be remembered in your kingdom, grant through the intercession of St. Dismas that prisoners and all who seek mercy at the hour of death may hear those same words. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.