Saint Dismas
A saint of last-minute repentance, mercy, and hope for sinners who do not want to despair.
- Feast day: March 25
- Life and era: Remembered from the Passion of Christ and the tradition of Calvary
- Role in the Church: Penitent thief honored as a saint
- Common titles: Good Thief, Witness of repentance, Saint remembered from the Gospel
- Often asked for: prisoners, repentance, mercy at the hour of death
When is Saint Dismas's feast day?
Saint Dismas's feast day is March 25.
For a broader explanation of how feast days work in Catholic life, read the feast day guide.
Biography and witness
Dismas is the traditional name given to the penitent thief crucified beside Jesus. The Gospel of Luke records his defense of Christ and Christ's promise of paradise. Later Christian tradition remembered him as Saint Dismas, a powerful witness to repentance, mercy, and hope at the very edge of death.
Why Catholics remember Saint Dismas
Saint Dismas is known for the plea he made to Christ from the cross and for the Lord's promise, "Today you will be with me in paradise."
What is Saint Dismas the patron saint of?
Saint Dismas is often associated with prisoners, repentance, mercy at the hour of death.
Why people ask for the intercession of Saint Dismas
People turn to Saint Dismas when they need hope after grave sin, mercy in a hard situation, or proof that repentance is never pointless.
Other names people use for Saint Dismas
This saint may also appear in older directories or language-specific listings as San Dimas, Good Thief, St Dismas, Penitent Thief.
Common situations
- seeking mercy after serious sin
- praying for prisoners or the condemned
- needing hope that repentance is still possible
Short prayer
Saint Dismas, pray for me when I need honest repentance, confidence in mercy, and freedom from despair.