Codice prodotto: L10339
Memorial Day: May 14
When did Saint Matthias live: 1st century AD
BIOGRAPHY:
Saint Matthias was born in Judea in the 1st century AD. After the betrayal and death of Judas Iscariot, he was chosen by the remaining eleven apostles through casting lots to restore the number of twelve (Acts 1:15-26). Little is known about his life and works. Some traditions state that he preached the Gospel in Judea and later in regions around the Caspian Sea and Ethiopia. His martyrdom is said to have occurred by stoning and subsequent beheading in Jerusalem, while other sources claim he was crucified in Ethiopia. It is believed that his relics were brought to Trier by Empress Helena, where they now rest in the Abbey of St. Matthias.
PATRONAGE:
St. Matthias is the patron saint of carpenters, tailors, blacksmiths, and the city of Trier. He is also invoked against smallpox and is regarded as a helper in desperate cases.
SYMBOLISM, DEPICTION:
The symbols of San Matthias are the axe, which refers to his martyrdom, and the book, which symbolizes his apostleship.
PATRON SAINT OF:
Matthias, Mathias, Matthis, Matze, Matti, Thias, Mathis, Matz, Hias, Mattheo, Matteo, Mattia, Teo.