St Matthias (Died Approx. 80AD) was an Apostle appointed not by Jesus but by the remaining eleven apostles, to replace Judas Iscariot who had betrayed Jesus.
The eleven met with fellow disciples, Mary the Mother of Jesus and other women; a gathering of around 120 people. They agreed on selection criteria including that the appointed candidate must have been with Jesus from the beginning of His ministry to His death and resurrection. Two candidates were proposed, Joseph called Barsabbas (also called Justus) and Matthias. After a period of prayer, they cast lots and St Matthias was elected. (Acts 1:12-26)
St Matthias first preached in Judea and then Aethiopa, Georgia. Like many of Jesus’ disciples, he was martyred, by stoning, for his preaching and teaching.
The Feast of St Matthias is the 14th May.
St Matthias:
Pray for us that we will come to understand and fulfil the life Jesus asks us to follow.
Glory be to the Father…