Saint Matthias
Stored in Cargo: Saint Matthias
| Saint Matthias | |
| Feast Day | May 14 |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | Carpenters, tailors, recovering alcoholics, smallpox victims |
| Birthplace | Bethlehem, Judea, Roman Empire (now Israel) |
| Death Place | Jerusalem, Judea, Roman Empire or Colchis (now Georgia) |
| Cause of Death | Martyrdom (stoning and beheading or crucifixion) or natural causes |
| Primary Shrine | Abbey of Santa Giustina, Padua, Italy |
Saint Matthias, born in the City of Bethlehem, Judea, Israel, was an Apostle chosen to replace Judas Iscariot after his betrayal, as recorded in Acts 1:21–26.[1] A disciple from Jesus’s baptism by John to the Ascension, he was selected by lot over Joseph Barsabbas in Jerusalem’s Parish, c. 33 AD, to restore the Twelve Apostles.[2] He preached in Judea, Cappadocia, and near the Caspian Sea, using the Latin Rite, and was martyred c. 80 AD, likely stoned and beheaded in Jerusalem, though Colchis crucifixion is noted.[3] His resolve, akin to an Archbishop of Paris, fortified the early Church.[4]
Canonized pre-Congregation, Matthias’s feast day, May 14, draws devotees to the Abbey of Santa Giustina in Padua, Italy, where St. Helena interred his relics.[5] Patron of carpenters and recovering alcoholics, his axe symbolizes martyrdom. His legacy endures among Saints in the Diocese of Padua, with Eastern Orthodox veneration on August 9.[6]
Biography
Birth
Saint Matthias was born in Bethlehem, Judea, c. 1st century AD, of Judah’s tribe. Studying under Simeon the God-receiver, his faith shaped his call.[7] Bethlehem framed his origin.
His zeal led to apostleship.
Early Life
Matthias studied in Jerusalem, joining Jesus’s followers from John’s baptism. Possibly among the seventy disciples (Luke 10:1), he was linked to Zacchaeus by Clement.[8] His fidelity in Judea’s Parish prepared him for selection c. 33 AD.[9]
His life was a disciple’s heart.
Occupation
Matthias was an Apostle, preaching in Jerusalem, Cappadocia, and Colchis from c. 33 AD. He evangelized, faced imprisonment, and was freed by Andrew the Apostle, per apocryphal texts, using the Latin Rite.[10] Martyred c. 80 AD, he built the Church.[11]
His labor was Christ’s mission.
Vocation
Matthias’s vocation emerged with Jesus, fulfilled in Jerusalem’s Parish c. 33 AD. Chosen by lot, he preached boldly, his influence like an Archbishop of Paris. His martyrdom c. 80 AD sealed his place among Saints.[12]
His vocation was apostolic zeal.
Death
Saint Matthias died c. 80 AD, likely in Jerusalem, Israel, stoned and beheaded, though Colchis crucifixion or natural death are noted. His relics rest in Padua’s Parish of Santa Giustina.[13]
His death birthed devotion.
Significant events
- Chosen as Apostle, c. 33 AD.
- Martyred, c. 80 AD.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Bethlehem, Judea, Roman Empire (now Israel)
Death location: None
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
Parishes
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
Canonization
Servant of God
No “Servant of God” process; Matthias’s veneration began in Jerusalem’s Parish.[14]
Venerable
No Venerable status; sanctity was immediate.
Beatification
No beatification; sainthood grew in Israel.
Canonization
Canonized pre-Congregation, by the 4th century, affirmed among Saints.[15]
Miracles
Miracle for beatification
No beatification miracle; veneration rested on apostleship.
Miracle for canonization
No miracles required; sainthood stemmed from martyrdom.
Other notable miracles
- Prison escape, per *Acts of Andrew and Matthias*.[16]
Patronage
Saint Matthias is patron of carpenters, tailors, recovering alcoholics, and smallpox victims.[17]
Feast day
The feast day of Saint Matthias is celebrated on May 14.[18]
Veneration
Saint Matthias is venerated at the Abbey of Santa Giustina in the Parish of Padua, with his axe symbolizing martyrdom. His May 14 feast thrives in Italy, like an Archbishop of Paris.[19]
Books
Written about the saint
- Acts of Andrew and Matthias (2nd century, apocryphal)
- Clement of Alexandria, *Stromata* (3rd century)
Written by the saint
- Gospel of Matthias (apocryphal, lost)
External links
References
- ↑ "Saint Matthias the Apostle". https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=6.
- ↑ "St. Matthias". https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-matthias-apostle-560.
- ↑ "Saint Matthias". https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Matthias.
- ↑ Clement of Alexandria (200). "Book VI". Stromata. Christian Classics Ethereal Library. https://www.ccel.org/ccel/clement/stromata.
- ↑ "Saint Matthias the Apostle". https://catholicsaints.info/saint-matthias-the-apostle/.
- ↑ "St. Matthias". https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/saints/matthias-1156.
- ↑ "Saint Matthias". https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=6.
- ↑ Clement of Alexandria (200). "Book VI". Stromata. Christian Classics Ethereal Library. https://www.ccel.org/ccel/clement/stromata.
- ↑ "St. Matthias". https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-matthias-apostle-560.
- ↑ "Acts of Andrew and Matthias". https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0819.htm.
- ↑ "Saint Matthias". https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Matthias.
- ↑ "Saint Matthias the Apostle". https://catholicsaints.info/saint-matthias-the-apostle/.
- ↑ "St. Matthias". https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/saints/matthias-1156.
- ↑ "Saint Matthias". https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=6.
- ↑ "St. Matthias". https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-matthias-apostle-560.
- ↑ "Acts of Andrew and Matthias". https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0819.htm.
- ↑ "St. Matthias". https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/saints/matthias-1156.
- ↑ "Saint Matthias the Apostle". https://catholicsaints.info/saint-matthias-the-apostle/.
- ↑ "St. Matthias". https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-matthias-apostle-560.