Saint Dismas

Mar 012009
 

[Saint Dismas]
Also known as

  • The Good Rogue
  • The Good Thief
  • The Penitent Thief
  • Demas
  • Desmas
  • Dimas
  • Dysmas
  • Rach
  • Titus
  • Zoatham

Memorial

  • 25 March
  • date derived from tradition that this was the calendar date of the Crucifixion, though the Passover and Easter celebrations move from year to year

Profile

One of the thieves crucified with Jesus, the other being traditionally known as Gestas; Dismas is the Good Thief, the one who rebuked the other, and asked for Christ’s blessing.

An old legend from an Arabic infancy gospel says that when the Holy Family were running to Egypt, they were set upon by a band of thieves, including Dismas and Gestas. One of the highwaymen realized there was something different, something special about them, and ordered his fellow bandits to leave them alone; this thief was the young Dismas.

Died

Canonized

Patronage

Prayers

Representation

  • man carrying his cross immediately behind Christ
  • man crucified at Christ’s right hand
  • naked man, holding his cross, often with his hand on his heart to signify penitence
  • tall cross

Storefront

Additional Information

Readings

Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us.” The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, “Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation. And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He replied to him, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” - Luke 23:39-43

MLA Citation

  • “Saint Dismas“. Saints.SQPN.com. 10 April 2013. Web. 21 May 2013. <>
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