St. Matthias the Apostle: Feast Day, Patronage & Prayers
Feast day: May 14 (Feast of St. Matthias, Apostle)
Patron of: No widely recognized patronage.
About St. Matthias the Apostle
St. Matthias is the apostle chosen to take the place of Judas Iscariot. The first chapter of the Acts of the Apostles tells how, in the days between the Ascension and Pentecost, St. Peter stood up among about one hundred and twenty believers and explained that someone must be chosen to be a witness to the Resurrection with the Eleven. He had to be a man who had accompanied them the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among them, beginning from the baptism of John.
Two candidates were put forward, Joseph called Barsabas and Matthias. The apostles prayed, "Thou, Lord, who knowest the hearts of all men, show whether of these two thou hast chosen," and then cast lots, and the lot fell upon Matthias. Nothing more is recorded of him in Scripture, and later traditions about his preaching and martyrdom vary. Yet his quiet faithfulness says much. He had followed Jesus for years without being one of the Twelve, never seeking a title, and he was ready when God called him. His feast is kept on May 14.
Prayers to St. Matthias the Apostle on Daily Catholic Prayers
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