Labyrinth

The Holy Infant Prayer Labyrinth is a parishioner’s Eagle Scout Project. Many scouts, parishioners and staff worked endless hours to complete this large project. Thank you to the designers, engineers, scouts and The Knights of Columbus for their dedication to complete this project. This labyrinth will be enjoyed and treasured for years to come and is a beautiful, prayerful tool for campus life at Holy Infant.

What is a labyrinth?

A unique, circular walking path that has many turns along the path. The path leads to the inner core or circle of the labyrinth. The journey to the center is a contemplative form of prayer and it has been used for centuries by people seeking stillness and calm. It’s an opportunity to walk in silence, while noticing each turn along the path. You cannot get lost on this journey. There is only one way leading to the center of the labyrinth. Letting go of thoughts, quieting the mind and opening the heart creates an opportunity to connect with God. A labyrinth walk is an individual journey that opens the heart to the gifts of spiritual awareness, transformation and wholeness.

Why this form of contemplative prayer?

A labyrinth is another tool on one’s spiritual journey. The body becomes quiet as one foot is placed in front of the other along the path. Some people describe the journey of turns as mimicking the turns in their own spiritual lives. Being open to God’s wisdom, direction and guidance may be experienced as one walks in silence and complete trust in the Sprit of God. When reaching the center of the labyrinth, you can sit or stand for a while taking in the journey. When ready to leave the center, simply follow the same path in silence, prayer and love. Some people reflect on where they have been and where their relationship with God is calling them to greater wholeness. There is no right or wrong way to journey on the labyrinth.

Who can experience this form of prayer?

The prayer labyrinth is a spiritual experience and offers a place for an individual to spend time with God. Ministry groups, faith development groups, bible study groups and all people have access to this walking path. If you meet someone on the path while praying on the labyrinth, simply step off the path and allow the other person to pass. Then continue your journey onward.

How do you start the journey?

Some people may walk with a scripture passage in mind, a phrase, a prayer before beginning or simply an open heart to listen to God. Leave everything behind. Take only yourself on the journey and let go of the outside world.

Facts about Holy Infant’s Prayer Labyrinth

The design of our labyrinth is based on the Chartres Cathedral labyrinth in France. Our labyrinth has an octagon-shaped design that measures 42’ in diameter with a 6’ octagon in the center. There are 7 rings from the outside perimeter to the center of the labyrinth. The stone path is 18” wide and the stones are carefully laid with 12” between each ring. There is gravel between the rings. The area where the labyrinth sits was flattened to accommodate the structure. Stone for drainage was then spread and curbing poured to keep the structure in place. The next step was to spread eight yards of paver base. Engineers and scouts used strings from the center of the labyrinth to the perimeter of the structure to keep the structure plumb. There were 8.5 pallets of paver stones used totaling over 2600 pavers and weighing ~24,000 pounds. The final step was to add the polymer sand to the path and Chapel Hill gravel to areas between the rings. Landscaping will be completed.