Simon of Cyrene an Archetype for Carrying our Cross

The Dolorous Passion described Simon of Cyrene as a “stout-looking man,” and a fourth-century sarcophagus (stone coffin) from Rome supports this description – The Passion Sarcophagus, probably from the Catacomb of Domitilla, typifies an early Christian burial coffin; its sculpted front combines narrative and symbolism. In particular, this sarcophagus, now at the Vatican’s Museo Pio Cristiano, depicts events leading to the Crucifixion. In the far-left panel, short, chubby Simon resolutely carries the full cross with a Roman soldier stalking him.

To early Christians, Simon represented…