This labyrinth, designed after one at the Chartres Cathedral in France, is a red paved memorial walkway with names of parishioners’ loved ones, both deceased and living.  The labyrinth is an invitation to walk and pray.  The benches are an invitation to sit and pray. The labyrinth dates back thousands of years, found in all religious traditions, to be walked in prayer and meditation.  It is a path with one entrance and a single route that winds in a circular pattern to the center.  The same path takes you out of the labyrinth.  It is not a maze, as there are no wrong turns.  The labyrinth became part of the Christian tradition as a way to fulfill the pledge of pilgrimage to the Holy Land, when actual travel became too difficult.

There is no right or wrong way to pray using the labyrinth.  Start by quieting yourself and opening your mind and heart to listen.  You might like to read/reflect on a line from Scripture, hold a memory or photo of someone you wish to pray for, consider a life experience for which you are seeking healing, think about the things in your life for which you are grateful, … and place yourself in the presence of God.  Then, enter the labyrinth and walk the path purposefully to the center, at a pace comfortable for you.  If others are walking the labyrinth, allow them to pass around you.  Pause and reflect while in the center.  When ready, return along the same path, until you exit the labyrinth, always mindful of God’s presence.  You may want to take time after your exit, to sit and reflect on your experience, using a journal or drawing.  Come to the Garden often!

The walkway surrounds the labyrinth.  Indented pavers hold engraved brass plates to remember deceased or honor living loved ones.  Since many of our parish family are not native to the region, the walkway has become a powerful and prayerful way to bring our loved ones to our new home. Order a paver plate for your loved one.