Saint Matthias

Patron Saint of alcoholics, carpenters, tailors, hope, perseverance.

Feast Day: May 14th

Martyr and Apostle

Uncertain, but likely Judea

Feast Day: May 14th

Martyr and Apostle

Uncertain, but likely Judea

About

Saint Matthias was chosen by the Apostles to replace Judas Iscariot after Judas betrayed Jesus and died. In the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 1:15–26), Peter stood up and said the Scriptures had to be fulfilled, and so the group prayed and cast lots to decide who would take Judas’s place. The lot fell to Matthias, and he became one of the Twelve Apostles. Though he was not one of the original Twelve chosen by Jesus, Saint Matthias had been with the Lord from the beginning of His ministry and witnessed His resurrection. His quiet and faithful presence in the early Church made him the right person to fill the role. His story shows that God calls people in different ways and at different times to serve His mission.

Legacy

Saint Matthias reminds us that even when we feel unseen, God sees our faithfulness. Though not much is known about his later life, tradition holds that he preached the Gospel in regions like Cappadocia and Ethiopia and was eventually martyred for his witness to Christ. His selection as the Apostle who replaced Judas teaches us the importance of community, discernment, and prayer in making decisions within the Church. He is a symbol of redemption and hope—that God can restore what is broken.

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