St. Dismas, pray for us.

Also known as
The Good Thief; The Penitent Thief; Desmas

Memorial
25 March; date derived from traditon 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 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 Dismas.

Died
crucified c.30 at Jerusalem

Name Meaning
dying

Patronage
condemned prisoners, criminals, death row prisoners, funeral directors, prisoners, prisoners on death row, reformed thieves, undertakers

Prayers
Prayer to...
Prayer to...
Prayer for Prisoners, by Pope Pius XII ...in Honor of the Good Thief

Representation
carrying his cross immediately behind Christ; crucified at Christ's right hand; naked, holding his cross, often with his hand on his heart to signify penitence; tall cross