Full Question
Why is Simon of Cyrene not a saint?
Answer
As Catholic historian Matthew Bunson notes, we know very little about Simon of Cyrene, aside from several passages in Scripture (Matt. 27:32; Mark 15:21; Luke 23:26), and there is no tradition of his being honored as a saint.
Of course, he is known for helping Jesus carry his cross to Calvary and thus has an honored place in salvation history. But just because the Church hasn’t formally recognized someone as a saint doesn’t mean that person isn’t in heaven and thus a saint. That’s the eternal bottom line for which we all strive—attaining heaven while not necessarily making it onto the Church calendar.
Of course, he is known for helping Jesus carry his cross to Calvary and thus has an honored place in salvation history. But just because the Church hasn’t formally recognized someone as a saint doesn’t mean that person isn’t in heaven and thus a saint. That’s the eternal bottom line for which we all strive—attaining heaven while not necessarily making it onto the Church calendar.
By Tom Nash
