St. Matthias was the man who was elected to replace Judas as the twelfth apostle after Jesus’ Ascension.

Because Judas committed suicide, the Apostles found themselves lacking a twelfth member. The number twelve is important in the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures: Jesus had called Twelve Apostles because twelve was a Jewish number of wholeness, represented in the twelve tribes of Israel. It was important for the disciples to find someone to replace Judas.

They gathered after the ascension and had two candidates in mind—Joseph, also known as Barsabas, and Matthias. Both had come from the wider circle of 72 who had been following Jesus since his baptism by John. The disciples prayed, then cast lots; Matthias was chosen.

Soon after his election, Matthias received the Holy Spirit with the other disciples at Pentecost. He preached the good news of Jesus in Judea before going to other lands. Tradition tells of his travels among the Greeks, though the historical record is scant. It is said that he became a martyr for the faith when he was crucified by the people he was trying to convert there.

The relics of St. Matthias rest in the reliquary chapel in the Basilica.

St. Matthias, you were elected to replace Judas as the twelfth apostle after Jesus rose—pray for us!

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Image Credit: Our featured image of St. Matthias is in the public domain. Last accessed March 6, 2025 on Wikimedia Commons.