1909 Catholic Dictionary
Traditionally known as Dismas, one of the thieves crucified with Christ, who rebuked his companion for demanding that Christ should save them, prayed instead a share in His Kingdom, and received the assurance: "This day thou shalt be with Me in paradise." A portion of the cross on which he died is preserved in the Chapel of Relics, Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, Rome. He is patron of persons condemned to death.