St. Matthias was one of Jesus’ followers from the beginning of His ministry. After the Ascension, Peter directed the 120 disciples assembled in the upper room to choose a replacement for Judas, so there could again be twelve apostles. Matthias and Barsabbas were proposed, and the lot fell to Matthias. He went on to preach the Gospel in Judea, Cappadocia, Egypt, and Ethiopia, insisting on the need to mortify the desires of the flesh in order to experience the peace and joy of the Spirit. For that reason Saint Matthias is the patron of all who struggle with the addiction of alcoholism. He was martyred in 80 AD.
Prayer to Saint Matthias the Apostle for Healing of Alcoholics