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There is only one individual in the history of the world who literally helped Jesus carry his cross. He is mentioned by name as Simon of Cyrene and very little is known about him, or what happened after the crucifixion of Jesus.
The Gospels mention only a few details about this mysterious man.
Essentially we know that Simon was from Cyrene, a region in Northern Africa that became a Roman colony and had a sizable population of Jewish people.
The text itself appears to say that Simon was forced to carry Jesus' cross, meaning that he did not willfully want to be associated with this "criminal."
Anne Catherine Emmerich, a mystic from the 19th century, claims in her "Dolorous Passion" that Simon was a pagan.
Furthermore, Emmerich also claims that the experience changed Simon's sons, who later became Christians.
Some biblical historians believe Alexander and Rufus were possibly well-known in the early Christian community, which is why they are mentioned by name in the Gospel.
For example, St. Paul mentions a "Rufus" in his letter to the Romans, "Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine" (Romans 16:13).
What happened to Simon?
It is unknown what happened to Simon, who literally carried Jesus' cross. He is not widely venerated as a saint, though it is hard to believe that being so close to Jesus would not have changed him. Some traditions celebrate him as St. Simon of Cyrene, with a feast day on December 1.
Whatever his fate, we can try to accept our cross willingly from God and let Jesus' suffering transform our own lives.
