St. Dismas
The Penitent Thief
"Even in my last breath, I embraced the love of Christ."
Saint Facts
- Origin:
- Israel
- Gender:
- Male
- Vocation:
- Unknown
- Birth:
- Unknown
- Feast Day:
- Mar 25
- Death:
- Unknown
Saint Details
St. Dismas, known as the "Good Thief," is a figure deeply intertwined with the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Although his life before this pivotal event remains largely unknown, his moment of repentance during his execution is well-documented in the Gospels. According to Luke 23:39-43, while being crucified alongside Jesus, Dismas defended Jesus against the mockery of the other thief, acknowledging his own guilt and Jesus' innocence. He then asked Jesus to remember him in His kingdom, prompting Jesus' promise that Dismas would be with Him in Paradise that day. This encounter is central to Christian teachings on redemption and divine mercy. The name "Dismas" was first attributed to this figure in the 4th-century apocryphal Gospel of Nicodemus. St. Dismas is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church, though his canonization date is not recorded. His feast day is sometimes observed on March 25, coinciding with the Feast of the Annunciation. As the patron saint of repentant criminals and prisoners, St. Dismas' story serves as a powerful symbol of the possibility of salvation through repentance, even in the final moments of life. His legacy emphasizes the boundless mercy of God, inspiring hope and redemption for those seeking forgiveness.
Associated Holy Sites
Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Jerusalem
Details for: Church of the Holy Sepulchre
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, located in the Christian Quarter of Jerusalems Old City, is one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in Christianity. It is traditionally believed to encompass the sites of Jesus Christs crucifixion, burial, and resurrection, making it a central place of devotion for Christians worldwide. The church is shared by several Christian denominations, including the Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Armenian Apostolic Churches, among others. Pilgrims visit to venerate the Stone of Anointing, where Jesus body is said to have been prepared for burial, and the Edicule, a small shrine housing the tomb believed to be where He was buried and resurrected. The churchs historical and spiritual importance draws millions of visitors annually, offering a profound connection to the foundational events of Christian faith. Its location, verified by the provided Google Maps link, places it at the heart of Jerusalems religious and cultural heritage.
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