Feast day: March 25
Saint Dismas was one of the thieves who was crucified alongside Jesus. The other crucified thief is traditionally known as Gestas. Dismas is known as the “Good Thief” because he reprimanded Gestas for a rude comment that he made to Jesus and then asked for Jesus’ blessing.
An ancient legend says that when the Holy Family was fleeing to Egypt they encountered a band of thieves, including Dismas and Gestas. Dismas felt that something was special about the family and told his companions to leave them alone.
Tradition tells us that March 25 is the calendar date of the Crucifixion, though the celebrations of Easter and Passover change from year to year.
(Image © Vicki Shuck/Saint Mary's Press)