Labyrinths have been around for thousands of years, and continue to serve as excellent tools for meditation and prayer.  The remains of some of the earliest labyrinths have been found in Egypt, Greece, China, and Scandinavia.  Many of the most famous labyrinths in Catholic history still stand as a reminder of this calming, centering practice at places like the Cathedrals of Chartres, Amiens, and Reims in France, the Cathedral of Lucca in Italy, Dunure Castle in Scotland, the Damme Priory in Germany, and the Cathedrals of Ely and Hereford in England.  

Labyrinths can be carved into a stone floor, shaped out on the grass, or laid out with stones in the woods.  Unlike mazes, a labyrinth has only one entrance and one exit.  The participant follows the path of the labyrinth to the center before turning and going back the same way to complete the walk.  No special skills or training will be required of a participant; just a willingness to walk the labyrinth path and use the time for quiet reflection and prayer. 

A new program, "Contemplating Peace - A Labyrinth Walk," is starting to provide participants with the opportunity to follow the path of a labyrinth as a means of peaceful contemplation in the middle of our hurried everyday lives.  The labyrinth walks will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.  Each walk takes an average of 20 minutes, with fellowship and refreshments to follow afterwards.

The next labyrinth walk will be conducted at the Buchanan Chapel of the Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago, 860 N. Michigan Avenue in Chicago.  Future walks will be offered at different houses of worship throughout the city.  If you would like to participate, please telephone Stanley at (312) 944-5803 for details.  

Labyrinth Walk Schedule:

Friday, August 23

Friday, September 27

Friday, October 25