Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus (Mark 15:21).
Station 5 is probably the most recognizable of all the stations. It sits right at the intersection of Al Wad St and where the Via Dolorosa St. picks up again.
This station commemorates the act of Simon of Cyrene helping Jesus carry His cross. There is a Chapel at the location as well, but the times are hit or miss.
Next to the Chapel entrance is a stone that tradition says Jesus laid his hand on to keep from falling down. We already know that the Via Dolorosa we walk today is not accurate, so it’s safe to say that this stone is more of a tradition rather than a fact. But that doesn’t make it irrelevant.
Tradition plays a huge role in honoring historical events. Just because someone at some point added some flavor to an event such as Simon of Cyrene helping Jesus, does not preclude that event from being legit. Jesus was tired from the beating he received and from carrying the cross. He no doubt stumbled and touched things along the way to stay standing.
Even if this rock is not the TRUE rock, it tells a story about Jesus’s journey that is important.
From the Al Wad St. intersection turn right to head up the Via Dolorosa St.. You are now heading west again.
- What is the Via Dolorosa?
- Station 1: Jesus is condemned to death
- Station 2: Jesus takes up his cross
- Station 3: Jesus falls for the first time
- Station 4: Jesus meets his mother
- Station 5: Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus
- Station 6: Veronica wipes the face of Jesus
- Station 7: Jesus falls for the second time
- Station 8: Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem
- Station 9: Jesus falls for the third time
- Station 10: Jesus is stripped of his garments
- Station 11: Jesus is nailed to the Cross
- Station 12: Jesus dies on the Cross
- Station 13: Jesus is taken down from the cross
- Station 14: Jesus is laid in the tomb