St Dismas was known as the "Good Thief." At the crucifixion at Calvary, Jesus was placed between two thieves. Dismas was known for recognizing Jesus as Lord and rebuking Gestas, the other thief, for his disbelief.
Luke 23:39-43 One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!" But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong." And he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
And he said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."
Another Arabic infancy Gospel gives a story of Dismas being the leader of a gang of thieves who were about to rob the Holy Family who was on their was to Egypt. Seeing that there was something special about this child, Dismas convinced the thieves to leave them alone. This would lead to him be remembered by the Lord.
Prayer to Saint Dismas
Dear Saint Dismas, you cooperated with the grace that was yours in suffering the same fate as the Divine Master. You repented for your sins and believed, and you heard the Savior say:" "Today you will be with me in paradise." Obtain for prisoners the same grace to repent of their wicked ways, and obtain the same reward - eternal life with Christ.
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