Saint Dismas

Biography

Saint Dismas, also known as The Good Rogue, The Good Thief, The Penitent Thief, Demas, Desmas, Dimas, Disma, Dysmas, Rach, Titus, and Zoatham, is honored by the Catholic Church as the repentant thief who was crucified alongside Jesus. His story is recounted in the Gospels, particularly in the Gospel of Luke. According to tradition, Saint Dismas was one of the two criminals crucified with Jesus, the other being identified as Gestas. Dismas is known as the Good Thief because he recognized Jesus' innocence and divine nature, unlike Gestas, who mocked and scorned Jesus. In a powerful display of faith and humility, Dismas rebuked Gestas and asked Jesus to remember him in His kingdom. In response, Jesus assured Dismas that he would be with Him in Paradise. An old legend from an Arabic infancy gospel adds an intriguing dimension to Saint Dismas' story. It suggests that when the Holy Family was fleeing to Egypt, they encountered a group of thieves, including Dismas and Gestas. One of the thieves, later identified as the young Dismas, sensed something extraordinary about the Holy Family and ordered his companions to leave them unharmed. Throughout Christian art and iconography, Saint Dismas is often represented as a man carrying his cross immediately behind Christ or as the man crucified at Christ's right hand. Another common depiction portrays him as a naked man holding his cross, often with his hand placed on his heart to symbolize his profound penitence. Furthermore, a tall cross is often associated with his representation. Saint Dismas' feast day is traditionally celebrated on March 25th, deriving from the belief that it was the calendar date of the Crucifixion. However, since the dates of Passover and Easter vary each year, his feast day is sometimes observed on February 17th on certain calendars. Historical records regarding the details of Saint Dismas' life are scarce. It is believed that he was crucified around the year 30 in Jerusalem, alongside Jesus and Gestas. Nevertheless, due to the absence of concrete evidence, his date of death remains subject to estimation. Saint Dismas, though not formally canonized by the Catholic Church, is recognized as a saint. His canonization took place before the formal canonization process was established, thus making him part of the pre-Congregation era of sanctification. Known as the patron saint of various individuals and groups, Saint Dismas is venerated as the protector of antique dealers, condemned prisoners, death row prisoners, dying people, funeral directors, gravediggers, penitent criminals, prison chaplains, prisoners, prisoners on death row, prisons, reformed thieves, and undertakers. Additionally, the Archdiocese of Przemysl in Poland and Merizo in Guam hold Saint Dismas as their patron. The life of Saint Dismas holds a profound lesson of redemption and mercy for believers. His humble plea for forgiveness, even in the darkest hour of his life, serves as an inspiring example of the power of true repentance and the limitless mercy of God.