St. Anne's Church Has A Labyrinth!
Labyrinths have been part of human culture for over 4,000 years. Unlike mazes, which are designed to confuse, labyrinths have a single, unbroken path leading to a center, symbolizing life’s journey and the pursuit of spiritual insight. They have been used for meditation, sacred dances, and achieving spiritual enlightenment .
The labyrinth’s most essential teaching is this: you cannot get lost. Unlike a maze — which is designed to trick you — a labyrinth has only one path. It may wind back and forth. It may take you to what seems like the edge of the design, then curve back toward the center, then away again. But every step, no matter how indirect it seems, is moving you toward the center.
This is a profound metaphor for the spiritual life. There are moments when it feels like you are moving away from your goal, circling back to old ground, or making no progress at all. The labyrinth teaches that these are not mistakes — they are necessary turns on the only path that exists.
Today, labyrinths can be found in hospitals, retreat centers, churches, parks, and gardens around the world. (Search “Labyrinth Locator”)
A labyrinth is a doorway to encounter — A quiet space to breathe, to listen, to return — A reminder that every winding moment of our life leads us deeper into the mystery of God. Put simply, a labyrinth is a shape—a kind of spiral prayer path. The symbol itself is morally neutral, just as circles, spirals, crosses, incense burners, and geometric patterns are neutral. The spiritual meaning comes from the intent with which it is used.
May every Christian walk lead us home.
How to Walk a Labyrinth (approximately 700 steps)
Pause at the entrance. Take three breaths. Set an intention or simply ask to be shown what you need.
Walk at your own pace. There is no right speed. Let your body set the rhythm. You may be drawn to pause, to slow down, or to walk quickly. Follow that impulse.
At the center, stay as long as you need. Sit, stand, kneel, or lie down. Receive whatever comes — a thought, a feeling, silence, tears, laughter. Nothing is wrong.
Walk out with awareness. The return path is not an afterthought. Carry what you received. Notice how the outward journey feels different from the inward one.
Reflect afterward. What arose for you? What insight or feeling lingers?
