Dismas
Dismas, also known as the penitent thief, is one of two unnamed thieves crucified alongside Jesus, as recounted in the Gospel of Luke. He is venerated as a saint for his plea to Jesus to "remember him" when he comes into his kingdom, a moment of faith recognized as a pivotal act of repentance.
- Feast Day
- 25
- Century
- 1st century
- Country Or Region
- Jerusalem
Key Facts
- ›The penitent thief is unnamed in the canonical gospels but is traditionally known as Dismas.
- ›He asked Jesus to "remember him" when Jesus comes into his kingdom, and Jesus replied, "today you will be with me in Paradise."
- ›Later Christian tradition assigned him the name Dismas, which may derive from a Greek word meaning "dying".
- ›He is venerated as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church, Catholic Church, and Oriental Orthodox Church.
- ›The Roman Martyrology commemorates him on March 25, alongside the Feast of the Annunciation.
- ›Depictions often show Jesus' head inclined to his right, signifying his acceptance of the penitent thief.
the good thief, the wise thief, the grateful thief, the thief on the cross, Saint Dismas, Dysmas, Dimas, Demas, Zoatham, Zoathan, Titus, Rakh
About Dismas
Dismas, The Penitent Thief
Dismas is the traditional name given to one of the two unnamed thieves crucified alongside Jesus, as described in the Gospel of Luke. He is known as the "penitent thief" or "good thief" because, unlike the other criminal who reviled Jesus, he rebuked his fellow thief and implored Jesus, "Remember me when you come into your kingdom." This act of faith and repentance at the moment of his death earned him a promise from Jesus: "Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."
Gospels and Tradition
While the canonical Gospels of Matthew and Mark state that both thieves mocked Jesus, Luke's account presents a different narrative for one of them. This discrepancy has led to various harmonizations by early theologians. The name Dismas itself is not found in the Bible but emerged in later Christian tradition, possibly from a Greek word signifying "dying." Other traditions have assigned different names, such as Demas, Zoatham, Titus, or Rakh.
Sainthood and Veneration
Dismas is venerated as a saint in the Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Oriental Orthodox Churches. His commemoration in the Roman Martyrology is on March 25, coinciding with the Feast of the Annunciation, based on the ancient tradition that Christ's crucifixion occurred on the anniversary of his conception. He is often depicted in art to Jesus's right, signifying his acceptance. The Catholic Church recognizes his canonization by Jesus Christ himself at the moment of his death. His patronage is often associated with prisoners, and institutions like the Dismas Ministry offer religious support to incarcerated individuals.
Legacy
Dismas serves as a powerful symbol of repentance and salvation, particularly for those facing death or extreme hardship. His story underscores the Christian belief in the possibility of redemption and forgiveness, even at the last possible moment. His figure has been depicted in various forms of art, literature, and popular culture, continuing to inspire devotion and contemplation on themes of mercy and faith.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the penitent thief?
The penitent thief, later known as Dismas, was one of two criminals crucified alongside Jesus. The Gospel of Luke describes him asking Jesus to remember him, and Jesus promised he would be with him in Paradise that day.
What is Saint Dismas remembered for?
He is remembered for his act of faith and repentance at the moment of crucifixion, acknowledging Jesus' divinity and kingdom. This earned him a direct promise of paradise from Jesus.
What is the name Dismas?
The name Dismas was assigned to the penitent thief in later Christian tradition, possibly originating from an early Greek recension of the Acta Pilati. It may derive from a Greek word meaning 'dying'.
When is Saint Dismas' feast day?
In the Catholic Church, his commemoration is on March 25, coinciding with the Feast of the Annunciation, due to the tradition that Christ's crucifixion occurred on the anniversary of his incarnation.
Is Saint Dismas the only person confirmed as a saint by the Bible?
Some prayers recognize the good thief as the only person confirmed as a saint (in Paradise after death) by the Bible and by Jesus himself, based on the interpretation of Jesus' words in Luke 23:43.
Related Saints
Margaret of Cortona
Margaret of Cortona was an Italian penitent of the Third Order of Saint Francis, known for her life of prayer, penance, and service to the poor. She is remembered for her profound conversion and her establishment of institutions to care for the sick and impoverished.
Joseph Cafasso
Joseph Cafasso was an Italian Catholic priest and significant social reformer in Turin, known as the "Priest of the Gallows" for his extensive work with condemned prisoners. He was also recognized for his rigorous mortifications and dedication to the formation of priests. Canonized in 1947, he is a patron saint of Italian prisoners.
Honorina
Saint Honorina was a 3rd-century virgin martyr from northern France, venerated in the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches. She is remembered for her martyrdom for maintaining her Christian faith and is one of the earliest martyrs of Gaul.