Saint Dismas

detail from painting 'The Good Thief' by Michelangelo Cerquozzi, oil on slate, c.1640; Porcini Gallery, Naples, Italy; swiped from Wikimedia CommonsAlso known as

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

Memorial

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

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

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“. CatholicSaints.Info. 21 November 2023. Web. 29 March 2024. <>