St. Simon of Cyrene Coloring Page
This St. Simon of Cyrene coloring page shows Simon, a strong, bearded farmer in work clothes, lifting the back end of the cross to help Jesus on the road to Calvary, as at the Fifth Station of the Cross. The PDF is free to print. Simon came from Cyrene in North Africa (Mark 15:21).
The story of St. Simon of Cyrene
Simon lived in a city called Cyrene, far across the sea in North Africa. One spring he traveled all the way to Jerusalem, probably for the great feast of Passover.
On the day Jesus was crucified, Simon was walking into the city from the fields. Suddenly he saw a crowd coming toward him. Soldiers were leading Jesus out of the city, and Jesus was carrying a heavy wooden cross. He had been beaten, and he was very weak. He could hardly walk anymore.
The soldiers looked around, grabbed Simon and made him carry the cross. Simon had not planned to help. He did not know Jesus. But he picked up the cross and carried it behind Jesus, all the way up the hill of Calvary.
The Gospel of Mark tells us that Simon was "the father of Alexander and of Rufus." It names his sons as if the first Christians knew them well, and St. Paul later sent greetings to a Christian named Rufus in Rome (Romans 16:13), who may be the same Rufus. Maybe carrying the cross changed the heart of Simon's whole family.
We remember St. Simon of Cyrene at the Fifth Station of the Cross. He teaches us that when we help someone carry a heavy load, we are helping Jesus.
What to color
- Simon's work clothes: brown, tan or faded blue, the clothes of a man coming in from the fields.
- His head cloth: white or cream, to keep off the sun.
- The cross: brown wood.
- Jesus: a red or white robe and a gold halo.
- The basket of tools and wheat: brown and gold, the work Simon set down to help.
- The road and city gate: gray and tan stones, with a blue sky.
A prayer to pray together
At the Fifth Station in the Stations of the Cross, we begin with these words:
We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You, because by Your holy cross You have redeemed the world.
Then add, "St. Simon of Cyrene, pray for us, and help me to carry the crosses of others."
Ideas for families and classrooms
- Color this page during Lent or on Good Friday. December 1 is the date commonly given for St. Simon.
- Walk the Stations of the Cross and stop at the Fifth Station to pray for someone who is carrying a heavy cross, like sickness or sadness.
- Be a "Simon" this week: carry groceries, help a sibling with a chore, or help a classmate who is struggling.
- Talk about it: Simon did not choose to help at first. Can a hard job we didn't choose still become a gift to God?
Read the full story: St. Simon of Cyrene in the encyclopedia.
Frequently asked questions
What colors should I use for St. Simon of Cyrene?
Simon's work clothes can be brown, tan or a faded blue, with a white head cloth. Make the cross brown wood, Jesus' robe red or white, the road gray and the wheat in his basket gold.
Why did Simon carry the cross?
Jesus was very weak, and the Roman soldiers made Simon, who was coming in from the country, carry the cross behind him (Luke 23:26). Simon did not choose it at first, but he became part of the Way of the Cross.
Where is Cyrene?
Cyrene was a city in North Africa, in what is now Libya. Many Jewish families lived there, and Simon may have come to Jerusalem for the Passover feast.
Is this coloring page free for schools?
Yes. Print as many copies as you need for your home, classroom or parish.