Your Question: The Little Black Lenten Book talks about St. Dismas...what more can you tell us about him - why as "the good thief" is he a saint?

The account of the "good thief" is one of the most beautiful moments in the account of the crucifixion:

From the Gospel of Luke 23:39-43
"Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, 'Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us.' The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, 'Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation. And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal.' Then he said, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.' He replied to him, 'Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.'"

We often chant "Jesus, remember me, when you come into your kingdom" at the end of Holy Thursday Mass, or on Good Friday. While not much is known about Dismas, he is an example for us because he recognized Jesus as the Savior and made a profession of faith to the Lord. His admission of fault and beautiful act of faith as he met his own death, is something we all can hope to reflect in our own lives.

We know he is a saint, because Jesus Himself told him that he would be with him in paradise. Everyone who is in paradise is a saint. Let us all pray that our faith will be strong like that of St. Dismas, and that we recognize and embrace Jesus in our lives.

For more on St. Dismas:
http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/saintd11.htm