We celebrate the feast of Saint Dismas on March 25th. St. Dismas is also known as the “Good Thief” or “Penitent Thief” who was crucified beside Jesus. The gospel of Luke tells the story of St. Dismas, which provides inspiration for each of us – especially during the Lenten season – on the importance of true repentance.
“Now two others, both criminals, were led away with him to be executed. …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 23:32, 39-43)
St. Dismas is the patron saint of prisoners and penitent sinners.