Following the death of Judas Iscariot, there was a position vacant among the twelve apostles. St Peter proposed that one of the disciples Christ had originally called should take the role (cf Luke 10:1). Two candidates who had known and followed Christ from the beginning were put forward – Barsabbas and Matthias. After prayer and the casting of lots, Matthias was elected to take the place of Judas (Acts 1:15-26). However, Scripture and tradition tell us next to nothing of the later life of Matthias as an apostle.
The window shows a rather sad-looking St Matthias holding Scripture and a lance, which is traditionally his symbol. It dates to 1894 and is by Ion Pace, who worked for the stained glass studio Clayton & Bell. Pace produced most of the stained glass for this church, including twelve lights flanking the nave that feature all of the apostles individually. Since Matthias became an apostle only after the death of Christ, he is less commonly represented in artwork of the apostles.
See the full image:
Ion Pace / St Matthias the Apostle / Stained glass / 1894
Where to find this work of art
Our Lady of Dolours, Kensington
Read the relevant passage
Acts 1:15-26
On a similar theme
- From the Old Testament: St Peter linked the selection of St Matthias with a text from The Psalms (Psalm 109:8)
- From the New Testament: St Matthias was appointed as one of The Twelve Apostles originally chosen by Christ.
Lo & Behold 