St Matthias was the apostle who replaced Judas Iscariot, the betrayer of Jesus who had taken his own life. He was sent out to preach the Gospel after Jesus’ Ascension. He insisted on the need to mortify the desires of the flesh in order to experience the peace and joy of the Spirit. He preached that the Holy Spirit would empower people to exercise self-control over their unhealthy physical desires so that they can experience good health in their body and soul. For that reason, Saint Matthias is the patron of all who struggle with the addiction of alcoholism.