Nourish Your Spirit Online

Sisters Bless Outdoor Labyrinth

On June 16, in a ceremony with songs, readings and prayers, sisters from the monastery and friends blessed the new outdoor labyrinth located on the monastery grounds. This grass labyrinth, named "Hildegard’s Labyrinth," honors the 12^th century Benedictine saint who had a great reverence for and connection to the earth.

For centuries, labyrinths have been considered "sacred spaces" by religious traditions around the world. For over 600 years the Church has used the labyrinth as a symbolic pilgrimage walk. Today, individuals walk the labyrinth path as a means to inner peace and deeper prayer.

As human beings, we are always "on the road" — pilgrim people. Thus, walking the labyrinth is a wonderful metaphor for the journey of life. Each day we trust that God is with us on our journey.

In blessing the labyrinth, Sister Kristine Anne Harpenau said, "It is with great joy that we add another ‘sacred space’ to our grounds — another place for people to come and pray."

Guests and visitors are invited to use Hildegard’s Labyrinth for prayer, meditation and relaxation. The labyrinth is across from Benet Hall, the building that houses the sisters’ gift shop, For Heaven’s Sake.

© 2009 Sisters of St. Benedict of Ferdinand, Indiana