Mary and Simon of Cyrene

Mary suffered to see her Son abandoned by his friends on the way to his Passion.

It is a cruel experience for the heart of a mother: when her child suffers, she prays and implores that he may be consoled and supported by faithful friends. How many mothers have had this shattering experience of solitude in the midst of a trial!

I believe that the Virgin Mary has a special place of gratitude in her heart for Simon of Cyrene. This man was forced to help Jesus because he was there when He collapsed under the weight of the Cross. While the disciples were absent, Simon was "chosen by the Romans" to walk alongside Christ and carry the Cross with Him. Mary, you must have thanked Simon inwardly for his unexpected help!

From the first days that I decided, after my sister Cecile's car accident, to found the Simon de Cyrène* communities, I have known that the Virgin Mary watches over us. Mary is with us through thick and thin, day after day, in the homes we share, both able-bodied and disabled people (who have had head injuries, strokes or cerebral palsy).

At Simon de Cyrène, we like to get together to share, give thanks, and celebrate. Mary watches over us, like she did at Cana to ensure that the feast was a success and that there was no lack of wine, when she asked Jesus for His first miracle. Jesus can refuse nothing to His mother’s intercession.

Last year, we heard Mary’s invitation to spend Holy Week and Easter in Lourdes. We had 400 participants from the 12 cities where Simon de Cyrène communities are implanted, all over France. Because of Covid-19, we were unable to go for Holy Week this year… but there will be another time. We know that the Virgin Mary is watching over us, that she is interceding for us, and that she will be there to welcome us and to ensure that Holy Week 2022 in Lourdes is a success!

* For more information: www.simondecyrene.org

Laurent de Cherisey, General Director of the Simon de Cyrène Federation