Saint Matthias

At 317 Chesterfield Road in East Lyme, the faithful are invited to contemplate the life of Saint Matthias, the apostle chosen by lot to replace Judas Iscariot after the betrayal of our Lord. Matthias' election, recorded in Acts 1:15-26, reminds us of the Church's reliance on the Holy Spirit's guidance; he received the Spirit at Pentecost together with the other Twelve (Acts 2). After his selection, he faithfully preached the Gospel in Jerusalem, Judea, and farther afield—traveling with Peter and Andrew to Syrian Antioch, and later ministering in Cappadocia and Sinope. Tradition holds that he suffered martyrdom for the faith, a testament to his unwavering devotion. The Church honors his witness on his feast days—24 February in the Western calendar and 9 August in the Eastern—inviting us to emulate his humility, zeal, and readiness to answer God's call. May this address become a small sanctuary where Catholics can pray, ask for Matthias' intercession, and draw inspiration from his example of faithful service to Christ.