During the time between the Ascension and Pentecost, he was elected as an Apostle. Matthias replaced Judas in the Apostolic College (Acts 1:15-26). He was present at the first Pentecost and, according to various traditions, went on to preach in Judaea, Cappadocia and Ethiopia. He was martyred possibly by means of an axe or halberd with which he is often depicted in art. The feast of Matthias is appropriately celebrated towards the end of Easter time. Matthias reminds us of the meaning and continuation of apostolic status in the Church. – CTS New Daily Roman Missal 2012, p 2685; Vatican II Weekday Missal 1975, p 1666.
