St. Simon of Cryene

As they were going out, they met a Cyrenian named Simon; this man they pressed into service to carry his cross. – Matthew 27:32

Who was Simon of Cryene?

Simon of Cryene is mentioned only in a few lines in Sacred Scripture (cf. Matthew 27:32, Mark 15:21, and Luke 23:26) where we learn that he was compelled by the solders to carry the Cross with our Lord. The reason why he was singled out for this is not known. But we do know that to carry the Cross was a monumental shame and disgrace. Simon did not offer. He was forced to help carry the Cross since the humanity of our Lord was already so exhausted and tortured the soldiers feared that our Redeemer would die before reaching Calvary.

Yet, beyond his involvement in the greatest act of salvation history (that is the Crucifixion of our Lord), we know that he and his family were converts to the Faith. He is the father of St. Rufus. Simon, who is also regarded as a saint, was a missionary to France in the Early Church. He became the first Bishop of Avignon. And according to legend, he died as a martyr for the Faith of the Lord Jesus, whose Cross he helped carry. His martyrdom was his own final cross to bear.

In fact, both of his sons are saints. As related by Catholic Tradition's website:

St. Mark mentions the names of the two Sons of Simon: Rufus and Alexander. (Mark 15:21). In the course of time, these two became Christians, along with their mother and Simon himself. They are spoken of several times later in the New Testament. It is interesting to note that the mother was so beloved by St. Paul that he refers to her as his own mother: "Salute Rufus, elect in the Lord, and his mother and mine." (Rom. 16:13).

In the life of St. Simon of Cryene we find a number of lessons that can apply to our lives - the need to carry our crosses, especially the importance of bearing with patience and resignation the difficulties that we do not anticipate, expect, or want. Yet, we also have a heavenly advocate in St. Simon and his family. 

May St. Simon of Cyrene, St. Rufus, St. Alexander, and his wife pray for us!