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The "mother of all labyrinths"
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The Wisdom Ways labyrinth—a 77’ diameter replica of the labyrinth in Chartres Cathedral in France—was first mowed into the grass for Wisdom Ways’ 1997 Summer Spirituality Institute, Simple Gifts: The Spirituality of Simplicity. After the institute, the CSJ community decided to keep the labyrinth open to the public. It was formally dedicated on September 17, 1998, the feast of 12th century mystic, Hildegard of Bingen. |
Although the labyrinth was not part of the original plan of Wisdom Ways, people’s growing and constant interest in learning about it and walking it as a form of prayer has helped it to become a significant image and metaphor for what Wisdom Ways has been about for years. Since the spring of 1997, thousands have walked, danced, crawled, and skipped the labyrinth. The Wisdom Ways labyrinth holds the prayers and thoughts of women, men, and children.
The Sisters of St. Joseph and wider community are planning the construction of the Carondelet Village, a senior living and health facility, which will include building over the current labyrinth. In preparation for this transition, in the months to come, the existing labyrinth will be returned to the earth and a new one designed and created.
During this "in between time" both the old and new will be available for your sacred walk. The new will be recognizable by flags that will mark the path. It is located west of the current labyrinth and surrounded by oak trees.
The labyrinth has had profound meaning to people who walked it throughout past centuries. To the ancients, the labyrinth often meant rebirth. Rebirth is a fitting metaphor for us in our time of change from old to new.
In the weeks and months to come, there will be opportunities for rituals and celebrations for walking the old into the new. A small group -- Barbara Kellett, Marilyn Larson, MJ McGregor, Mary Kaye Medinger, Lisa Moriarty, and Barbara Lund -- has met to begin some initial planning. If you have any ideas to share, please send an email to Barbara Lund at Wisdom Ways.
Visit the Sisters web site for information about the upcoming construction project.
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