St. Matthias

Feast Day: May 14

“Then they prayed, ‘You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen.’” – Acts 1:24

Chosen to Complete the Twelve

St. Matthias is honored as the apostle chosen to replace Judas Iscariot after Judas betrayed Christ and died. His feast day, celebrated on May 14, commemorates his unique calling to restore the number of the apostles to twelve, symbolizing the fullness of the Church’s foundation.

A Disciple from the Beginning

Matthias was a faithful follower of Jesus from the beginning of His public ministry. In the Acts of the Apostles, Peter declared that the one to replace Judas must be someone who had been with Jesus from His baptism in the Jordan until His ascension.

Matthias had walked with Christ through His teachings, miracles, Passion, and Resurrection, faithfully following even though he was not originally one of the twelve apostles.

Chosen by Prayer and Lot

The apostles gathered in the Upper Room after the Ascension to discern who should fill Judas’s place. After praying, they cast lots between Matthias and another disciple named Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus). The lot fell to Matthias, and he was numbered among the Twelve, becoming a full apostle with the mission to spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

Missionary and Martyr

Though the Bible does not record Matthias’s later ministry, ancient traditions hold that he preached the Gospel in regions such as Judea, Cappadocia, and Ethiopia, bringing the message of Christ to those who had not yet heard it.

He ultimately suffered martyrdom for his witness to Christ. Some accounts say he was killed by stoning and then beheaded; others suggest different forms of martyrdom, reflecting how widely his missionary journeys spread.

Patron of Hope and Perseverance

St. Matthias is often invoked as the patron saint of perseverance, hope, and those called to unexpected missions. His election reminds the faithful that God’s plans often unfold in surprising ways and that faithfulness in small things prepares one for great missions.

A Witness to Faithfulness and Trust in God’s Plan

St. Matthias’s life reminds the faithful that God calls whom He wills, and that hidden discipleship often leads to great responsibility in God’s time. His example inspires all to remain faithful, knowing that God sees every act of love, service, and devotion.

St. Matthias, pray for us!