LABYRINTH
Our Labyrinth
The labyrinth is a place for prayer and meditation.
The path of the labyrinth is a sacred place set aside for those who walk it to reflect and feel the presence of God.
This is one journey in life where it is impossible to get lost. The path of the labyrinth is a way to find peace, relaxation, and to feel the healing presence of God.
Our labyrinth is available from dawn to dusk every day of the year. If you are bringing a large group, please schedule a time with the office.
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The labyrinth and our water feature in summer.
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A peaceful winter day.
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The water feature, ready for its close-up.
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The path to our labyrinth passes by the gazebo.
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Late afternoon light on the labyrinth in winter.
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A meditation area in the snow.
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A meditation area on a beautiful September day.
Walking the labyrinth in spring.
Walking the labyrinth in spring.
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The firepit area.
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One of the meditation areas.
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Early autumn foliage surrounds a bench.
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A peaceful winter day.
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The labyrinth and our water feature in summer.
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The firepit area.
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Summer solstice gathering at the labyrinth.
Labyrinth History
The first known example of a Christian labyrinth comes from North Africa and dates from the fourth century. The labyrinth is a mosaic in the Roman style and can be found in the Basilica of St. Reparatus, 100 miles west of Algiers. At the center of this labyrinth are word-squares which repeat the phrase Sancta Eclesia (Holy Church) many times. By placing the church in the center of the labyrinth, the builder placed the church in the center of the Civitas Dei (City of God), which is itself in the midst of the Civitas Mundi (City of the World).
Between the twelfth and fourteenth centuries, many labyrinths were laid out in cathedral floors.
During these times, pilgrimages were very popular, especially pilgrimages to Jerusalem. Christians at the time believed Jerusalem to be at the center of the world, and it was placed centrally on their maps.
Since most people could not get to Jerusalem, they went instead to cathedrals like Canterbury, Chartres, or Santiago de Compostella, and completed their pilgrimage by walking to the center of the labyrinth in the church floor. They would then slowly retrace their steps out of the labyrinth to once again embrace the outside world.
