Labyrinths?

[HistoryTeacher]

I caught the very end of Father Mitch Pacqua answering a question on Labyrinths and it peaked my interest because he was very negative about them yet we have one at my parish! Did anybody catch the gist of his argument against them? I even heard something about goddess worship. Anyway, is this a good thing to have at a parish or does it take away from the stations of the cross and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament? Any other thoughts on Labyrinths?

Thanks,

Brandon

 

[LindaS]

There is a labrynth in the Cathedral at Chartes, France. I believe the cathedral dates back to the 14th century. I have walked a labrynth (not in Chartes ) and found it a very prayerful experience. However, I beleive that it could be open to abuse.

Peace,
Linda

 

[Fidelis]

From a very informative article on this subject:

Beware that labyrinths have been enjoying a surge in popularity recently – but mostly among pagans and Modernist touchy-feely “Catholics” who perceive them as “mandalas,” “earth wombs,” tools for “centering prayer” “the re-integrating of ego and soul,” or tapping into “earth energies” and such nonsense. They are over-valued by those who also value “reiki,” “healing touch,” and “imaging” God as “Womyn.” They are seen by some of these types as being magical and as possessing inherent power – a power often imagined as emanating from the earth itself. I am so wary of the resurgence of popularity of labyrinths and their association with Jungian New Agers and pagans (even in “Catholic” parishes!) that I would recommend never walking a labyrinth that isn’t ancient and in a Christian holy place, or built or installed by you or other contemporary orthodox Christians who are very clear in their understanding; I recommend not supporting the “labyrinth” craze in general unless and until these nonsensical associations die.

To see the entire article, go here:

kensmen.com/catholic/labyrinths.html

 

[thann]

My observation about current labyrinth use is that it is more New Age than Catholic. If you use a labyrinth in a private way to pray, that is one thing. If you start incorporating other objects (for example, bowls) and creating a ceremony around the labyrinth, that is where the problems are.

I’d steer clear of any sort of labyrinth ceremony – there isn’t any way you could convince me that it is not New Age nonsense.

'thann

 

[Marie]

HistoryTeacher:

I caught the very end of Father Mitch Pacqua answering a question on Labyrinths and it peaked my interest because he was very negative about them yet we have one at my parish! Did anybody catch the gist of his argument against them? I even heard something about goddess worship. Anyway, is this a good thing to have at a parish or does it take away from the stations of the cross and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament? Any other thoughts on Labyrinths?

Thanks,

Brandon

Here are a couple threads on it from last year.

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=5342&highlight=Labyrinths

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=2463&highlight=Labyrinths

 

[kmktexas]

HistoryTeacher:

Anyway, is this a good thing to have at a parish or does it take away from the stations of the cross and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament? Any other thoughts on Labyrinths?

Thanks,

Brandon

I have some reservations about the practice because of the “new age” packaging that usually accompanies the seminars and prayer offerings. But this may be colored somewhat by the fact that in my area it is mostly taught at a feminist new-agey retreat center.

That aside, if given the choice between Stations, Adoration and walking a labyrinth, the labyrinth would come dead last for me. I think it can probably be calming and make people “feel good”. This is a trap that some parishes fall into. They provide “feel good” and self centered options for the people rather than focusing on things that, although possibly harder, will actually bring them closer to Christ. Stations and Adoration are focused on God while the labyrinth is focused on self.

 

[TobyLue]

What gets me is why so many parishes keep coming up with these novel ideas of how to bring people closer together. I feel it is dumb to come up with these labyrinths things. I would be willing to bet that some of these parishes never have the stations of the cross, nor rosary. How many young people out there have ever attended the stations of the cross. How many teens have ever gone to adoration. Now that would be something novel for many of our youth.

 

[whosebob]

JMJ + OBT​

Here is another fine article on this subject:

Maze Craze

In the Hearts of Jesus and Mary.

IC XC NIKA

 

[thann]

JMJ + OBT​

Here is another fine article on this subject:

Thanks for the really great article! The church where a former classmate of mine is music director has a labyrinth – well, one permanent turf labyrinth and one that is a canvas cloth as described in the article (for use in inclement weather, dontcha know!). On the church’s Web site the labyrinth “services” are noted prominently, but there is no mention of stations of the cross or Eucharistic adoration.

Oh, and they also have liturgical dancers AND mines! OH MY!!! Here is a link showing all of their weird worship activities. And, yes, this IS a “Catholic” parish.

'thann

 

[thann]

JMJ + OBT​

Here is another fine article on this subject:

Thanks for the really great article! The church where a former classmate of mine is music director has a labyrinth – well, one permanent turf labyrinth and one that is a canvas cloth as described in the article (for use in inclement weather, dontcha know!). On the church’s Web site the labyrinth “services” are noted prominently, but there is no mention of stations of the cross or Eucharistic adoration.

Oh, and they also have liturgical dancers AND mimes! OH MY!!! Here is a link showing all of their weird worship activities. And, yes, this IS a “Catholic” parish.

'thann

 

[blessed1]

You’re right to be concerned.The labrynth is New Age ,it centers on self and nature.Why not do the stations of the cross that center on our Lord.A great website for New Age discernment is www.crossveil.org There is a nice link there on the labrynth.

 

[student101]

Labyrinths are NOT new age. I am shocked to hear of them being used for ‘ceremonies’ other than what was originally intended. A labyrinth is more than just a praying tool.

Labyrinths were originally meant to be symbolic of a spiritual pilgrimage. They were intended for those who could not make an actual pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Instead, they would walk the labyrinth as a symbol of their spiritual journey because they were not able to make a physical one. They come in many shapes and sizes and exist in several Catholic cathedrals in Europe. The main purpose of the length of the maze was that it requires patience to reach the center. There is nothing wrong with someone feeling like the long walk helps them to center their thoughts or their prayers. However, it is wrong to think the geographical location, building materials, or the shape of the labyrinth has any sort of power. The patience required to complete the labyrinth as well as the visual aid of walking a path towards the center both contribute to centering ones thoughts upon the topics he or she wishes to pray about.

There is nothing wrong with making your own labyrinth. In fact, it may be even better this way because it takes away from any significance a particular design, location, or material one labyrinth has over another. I went to a private catholic school for 7 years. In high school we made our own labyrinth by mowing a pathway into the lawn beside the school and marking it with white football field paint. It was a learning experience for all of us, and the priests blessed the labyrinth and instructed us on its proper use. With education, the labyrinth is a very old useful Christian practice that is full of powerful symbolism. Don’t allow a few fanatics who are misusing the symbol to spoil its usefulness for everyone else. Many of these people are probably just misinformed.

In addition, keep in mind that many Christian traditions, like All Saints Day, adopted ideas originally existing in pagan forms. There is a reason we celebrate Jesus’ birth in december and His resurrection in the spring - they correlate with the same seasons as former pagan celebrations. It is possible too then that the labyrinth existed prior to its use in Christianity, and that Christians were able to see a beneficial use in the design and tailored it towards their own purposes. The meaning of symbols change over long passages of time; originally the swastika was a symbol of peace used by different cultures on every major continent until it was subverted by one individual to represent something evil. Instead of letting the Catholic labyrinth be subverted for pagan rituals, lets educate people on the proper uses so they we do not lose this valuable symbol to the naive or ignorant uses people have invented for it.

 

[CatholicBryan]

Actually, most Labyrinths are New Age. Few are not. How do we know the difference. Here is everything you need to know. Pagan labyrinths go back thousands of years, and were created to honor ancient gods and goddesses. Christian labyrinths became popular in the thirteenth century. This brief summary of the labyrinth will enable people to be able to distinguish the difference between Christian and New Age labyrinths, the latter being the counterfeit.

— Christian Labyrinths: When Christians could not go on pilgrimages to the Holy Land (Jerusalem), they would utilize labyrinths for the purpose of making a spiritual pilgrimage. The most popular labyrinth can be found in France, at the Chartres Cathedral.

— New Age Labyrinths: In stark contrast, the New Age Labyrinth was founded by Lauren Artress who was influenced by occult beliefs, goddess spirituality, and the Human Potential Movement (Brinkman, 18). Ironically enough, she based her New Age labyrinth, at Grace Cathedral (an Episcopalian Church) off the Catholic Cathedral at Chartres, but with the addition of heavy New Age influences attached to it.

Unfortunately, many Catholic Christian retreat centers have based their labyrinths and accompanying beliefs off of Attress’ New Age labyrinth rather than on the Christian version it. Even though these retreat center websites and pamphlets give a Christian explanation and history of the labyrinth, along with its use, many times they are not Christian at all. Rather, these labyrinths embrace New Age spirituality instead.
How can a person tell the difference? Christian labyrinths are for walking and praying to God, for meditating on the Passion of Jesus, or for doing the Stations of the Cross, etc. New Age labyrinths are very different. Pulling from the Grace Cathedral website, Susan Brinkmann comments on the differences:

“There are supposedly three stages to walking a labyrinth, all of them bearing names that are associated with Christian mystical tradition, although the meanings are radically different. For example, the “purgation” stage of the labyrinth walk is described as a ‘releasing, a letting go of the details of your life’ as opposed to the Christian idea of purgation which involves a turning away from sin and embracing the Gospel. The ‘illumination’ stage of the labyrinth walk is when one reaches the center of the labyrinth where they are advised to ‘Receive what is there for you to receive.’ In the Christian concept, illumination occurs when one achieves a new closeness to God after a deeper embrace of Gospel living. The unitive stage in labyrinth language is when one ‘is joining God, your Higher Power, or the healing forces at work in the world.’ In the Christian tradition, this is the stage where the soul has been so purified as to achieve transforming union with God, the closest a creature can come to God during their earthly life” (19; emphasis of New Age concepts added).

Based on the above description, a person can tell if a labyrinth is Christian or New Age! A person only needs to look at an organizations website or read their literature. Take for example the explanation at Holy Family Retreat Center in Connecticut. Their pamphlet almost mirrors the New Age explanation exactly. Listen to what it says and compare:

“Three stages of the walk
• Purgation (Emptying) ~ Walk slowly and breathe mindfully. Empty yourself of thoughts burdens and distractions. …
• Illumination (Receiving) ~ When you reach this center, breathe mindfully and stay there as long as you like. This is the place of meditation and prayer. Receive from God what is there for you to receive. …
• Union (Returning) ~ As you leave, breathe mindfully and following the same path out of the center as you came in. In your departing, you are joining God, and God’s healing power at work in the world. …”

Though the Holy Family Retreat Center’s pamphlet gives a Catholic history of the labyrinth, it is unfortunate that they don’t possess the accompanying Catholic beliefs or practices associated with it. Rather, the description mirrors almost identically Attress’ New Age explanation above. Instead of being about Jesus, who is almost never mentioned in New Age labyrinths; it is about the person – emptying oneself, filling oneself, and bringing healing forces into the world. That is not the Christian tradition, but a New Age counterfeit.

 

[fide]

Actually, most Labyrinths are New Age. Few are not. How do we know the difference. Here is everything you need to know. Pagan labyrinths go back thousands of years, and were created to honor ancient gods and goddesses. Christian labyrinths became popular in the thirteenth century. This brief summary of the labyrinth will enable people to be able to distinguish the difference between Christian and New Age labyrinths, the latter being the counterfeit.

— Christian Labyrinths: When Christians could not go on pilgrimages to the Holy Land (Jerusalem), they would utilize labyrinths for the purpose of making a spiritual pilgrimage. The most popular labyrinth can be found in France, at the Chartres Cathedral.

— New Age Labyrinths: In stark contrast, the New Age Labyrinth was founded by Lauren Artress who was influenced by occult beliefs, goddess spirituality, and the Human Potential Movement (Brinkman, 18). Ironically enough, she based her New Age labyrinth, at Grace Cathedral (an Episcopalian Church) off the Catholic Cathedral at Chartres, but with the addition of heavy New Age influences attached to it.

Unfortunately, many Catholic Christian retreat centers have based their labyrinths and accompanying beliefs off of Attress’ New Age labyrinth rather than on the Christian version it. Even though these retreat center websites and pamphlets give a Christian explanation and history of the labyrinth, along with its use, many times they are not Christian at all. Rather, these labyrinths embrace New Age spirituality instead.
How can a person tell the difference? Christian labyrinths are for walking and praying to God, for meditating on the Passion of Jesus, or for doing the Stations of the Cross, etc. New Age labyrinths are very different. Pulling from the Grace Cathedral website, Susan Brinkmann comments on the differences:

“There are supposedly three stages to walking a labyrinth, all of them bearing names that are associated with Christian mystical tradition, although the meanings are radically different. For example, the “purgation” stage of the labyrinth walk is described as a ‘releasing, a letting go of the details of your life’ as opposed to the Christian idea of purgation which involves a turning away from sin and embracing the Gospel. The ‘illumination’ stage of the labyrinth walk is when one reaches the center of the labyrinth where they are advised to ‘Receive what is there for you to receive.’ In the Christian concept, illumination occurs when one achieves a new closeness to God after a deeper embrace of Gospel living. The unitive stage in labyrinth language is when one ‘is joining God, your Higher Power, or the healing forces at work in the world.’ In the Christian tradition, this is the stage where the soul has been so purified as to achieve transforming union with God, the closest a creature can come to God during their earthly life” (19; emphasis of New Age concepts added).

Based on the above description, a person can tell if a labyrinth is Christian or New Age! A person only needs to look at an organizations website or read their literature. Take for example the explanation at Holy Family Retreat Center in Connecticut. Their pamphlet almost mirrors the New Age explanation exactly. Listen to what it says and compare:

“Three stages of the walk
• Purgation (Emptying) ~ Walk slowly and breathe mindfully. Empty yourself of thoughts burdens and distractions. …
• Illumination (Receiving) ~ When you reach this center, breathe mindfully and stay there as long as you like. This is the place of meditation and prayer. Receive from God what is there for you to receive. …
• Union (Returning) ~ As you leave, breathe mindfully and following the same path out of the center as you came in. In your departing, you are joining God, and God’s healing power at work in the world. …”

Though the Holy Family Retreat Center’s pamphlet gives a Catholic history of the labyrinth, it is unfortunate that they don’t possess the accompanying Catholic beliefs or practices associated with it. Rather, the description mirrors almost identically Attress’ New Age explanation above. Instead of being about Jesus, who is almost never mentioned in New Age labyrinths; it is about the person – emptying oneself, filling oneself, and bringing healing forces into the world. That is not the Christian tradition, but a New Age counterfeit.

Thank you CatholicBryan, for a very helpful post. I have avoided labyrinths successfully for many years now, and I did not know that the traditional three stages of the spiritual life had been stolen by the labyrinth people to further confuse the faithful. As if we needed more expertise in confusing the faithful. I was deeply saddened to find that retreat center as one of the Passionists - the sons of St. Paul of the Cross, founder. He would not approve. I pray that he is praying for them, for they surely need his guidance and help today.

The “real” three stages are profound and true, and are a solid framework for understanding the spiritual journey to holiness -the “ordinary path to holiness”. John of the Cross left much wisdom concerning those stages, as have others in our Catholic tradition and history. The authentic Catholic “three stages” are NOT what the labyrinth people have made them into.

 

[Lost_Wanderer]

Man ouija boards were one thing but now labyrinths?

Am I the only one here who doesn’t see anything New Age or Christian about it? I always thought they were just some fancy-schmancy way to decorate a mansion’s backyard.

Unless you know one that’s got monsters and magic treasure in it, I don’t see the big deal here.

 

[JimR-OCDS]

There are Christian labyrinths and non-Christian labyrinths.

The Passionists in Connecticut have a Christian Labrynth and other monasteries have them, which are used for prayer and meditation.

Just because New Agers use something out of Christianity or paganism, doesn’t make it automatically evil.

New Agers, use Rosary beads too. Should we give up praying the Rosary based on this ?

Heck, in Buddhism, which goes back before Christianity, use Rosary beads.

It’s how these things are used which makes the difference between Christianity and non-Christian practices.

Jim

 

[fide]

There are Christian labyrinths and non-Christian labyrinths.

The Passionists in Connecticut have a Christian Labrynth and other monasteries have them, which are used for prayer and meditation.

Just because New Agers use something out of Christianity or paganism, doesn’t make it automatically evil.

New Agers, use Rosary beads too. Should we give up praying the Rosary based on this ?

Heck, in Buddhism, which goes back before Christianity, use Rosary beads.

It’s how these things are used which makes the difference between Christianity and non-Christian practices.

Jim

Hello Jim. The difficulty that I have with your post is not that you have said anything untrue - but in the context of searching for spiritual guidance, I feel strongly that labyrinths are more than a waste of time - worse than that, they are obstacles for the inexperienced to authentic spiritual growth.

The Catholic Church has in her tradition a solid and trustworthy treasure house for spiritual maturation. There have been occasional innovations, over the centuries, that are to authentic spirituality what drive-through burgers are to a fine meal. Just because labyrinths are old, does not make them true. The fact that labyrinth people have presumed a vocabulary that sounds authentic does not make the method authentic. If anyone wants to understand the traditional three stages of the spiritual life, let them read people who have and who have explained them well. There are no short-cuts to holiness - if it were as easy as walking in circles while you “breathe mindfully”, Jesus would not have had to go the Cross to reveal the true way.

The abuse of the terms purgation, illumination and union in the labyrinth methodology described on the “Walking the Labyrinth” page of the Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center site is just that - an abuse of good and valuable spiritual terms that mean something - namely the purgative stage, the illuminative stage and the unitive stage of the interior life. That page redefines them while emptying them of their true meaning and value.

This, from that webpage, is simply dangerous and misleading:

I. Purgation (Emptying) ~ Walk slowly and breathe mindfully. Empty yourself of thoughts, burdens, and distractions. This is the time to open your heart and quiet your mind. Become empty like the great circle at the labyrinth’s center. Remember God is breathing with you and through you.

II. Illumination (Receiving) ~ When you reach the center, breathe mindfully and stay there as long as you like. This is a place of meditation and prayer. Receive from God what is there for you to receive. Imagine yourself as an empty vessel being filled with God’s love and peace. Remember that God lives at the center of your being.

III. Union (Returning) ~ As you leave, breathe mindfully and follow the same path out of the center as you came in. In your departing, you are joining God and God’s healing power at work in the world. Each time you walk the labyrinth you become more empowered to find and do the work you feel your soul reaching for.

Whenever we hear as advice for how to pray, “empty yourself”, look out! That is the empty wisdom that infiltrated many many Catholic parishes, retreat centers, spiritual directors and others who should have known better. “Repent and believe the Good News!” is far different from “empty yourself like the great circle and in your departing, you are joining God.”

Through “new age” and non-Christian Eastern religion concepts of meditation and contemplation (thus “empty yourself”), many Catholics remain misled and confused to this day on the matter of authentic, fruitful prayer. As one result, most Catholics have no idea what “meditation” and (infused) “contemplation” even mean, in the traditional Christian/Catholic senses of those words.

Some references for those interested (the first three are free and on-line!):

The Three Ages of the Interior Life, by Fr. Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange, O.P. (a two-volume set if in printed books)
A shorter work on the above:
The Three Ways of the Spiritual Life, also Garrigou-Lagrange, (a single brief paperback in print).
Spiritual Theology, by Fr. Jordan Aumann, O.P.
And here is a contemporary book based on the spirituality of the above books:
The Ordinary Path to Holiness, in paper or e-book

 

[JimR-OCDS]

fide

Hello Jim. The difficulty that I have with your post is not that you have said anything untrue - but in the context of searching for spiritual guidance, I feel strongly that labyrinths are more than a waste of time - worse than that, they are obstacles for the inexperienced to authentic spiritual growth.

Praying while walking on a path which happens to be called a labyrinth is a waste of time?

These are only obstacles for those who are scrupulous to the point that they can’t understand the truth behind the purpose. It has been the tradition of walking outdoors in a labyrinth, or prayer path which they were probably called in days past,in Catholic monastic tradition.

The Catholic Church has in her tradition a solid and trustworthy treasure house for spiritual maturation.

And so-called labyrinths are part of Catholic Tradition, but confined to monasteries and lay people have little exposure to them, unless they went on a retreat at such a monastery. Many Catholics today are being exposed to them more and more, because of retreats they take part in, and their sharing of them on the internet.

Yes, New Agers also use labyrinths. But as I said before, they also use rosary beads. That being the case, we shouldn’t abandon praying the Rosary or Divine Chaplet.

There have been occasional innovations, over the centuries, that are to authentic spirituality what drive-through burgers are to a fine meal. Just because labyrinths are old, does not make them true. The fact that labyrinth people have presumed a vocabulary that sounds authentic does not make the method authentic.

I’m not talking about so-called “labyrinth people,” whomever they are? I’m talking about monastics and nuns who used them for centuries.

I. Purgation (Emptying) ~ Walk slowly and breathe mindfully. Empty yourself of thoughts, burdens, and distractions. This is the time to open your heart and quiet your mind. Become empty like the great circle at the labyrinth’s center. Remember God is breathing with you and through you.

II. Illumination (Receiving) ~ When you reach the center, breathe mindfully and stay there as long as you like. This is a place of meditation and prayer. Receive from God what is there for you to receive. Imagine yourself as an empty vessel being filled with God’s love and peace. Remember that God lives at the center of your being.

III. Union (Returning) ~ As you leave, breathe mindfully and follow the same path out of the center as you came in. In your departing, you are joining God and God’s healing power at work in the world. Each time you walk the labyrinth you become more empowered to find and do the work you feel your soul reaching for.

This is a problem for you because you’re apparently not familiar with contemplative prayer. There is nothing stated above that is dangerous, but in fact, what we do when we go into deeper levels of prayer.

Whenever we hear as advice for how to pray, “empty yourself”, look out!

You misunderstand the term. To empty yourself is to rid yourself of the thoughts and agendas which are not part of being in the presence of God.

St John of the Cross called it detachment from the appetites. Others spiritual masters call it detachment from the ego by living in the present, where God is.

It’s common for Catholics who are inexperienced with the interior level of prayer, or contemplative prayer, whatever term you want to use, the be critical of it when they see terms they don’t understand.

Walking in prayer as the description you posted above, is part of Catholic traditions in contemplative orders going back to the 4th century,

I know you won’t believe me, for it’s apparent that you have a mental block toward whatever you perceive to be “New Age.”

However, if you were to show the above to any abbot or spiritual director at a Catholic monastery, they would tell you just what I’ve posted.

Again, as I posted before, it’s the reason why you use a labyrinth that makes it Christian or not.

I hope this doesn’t upset you, but you’re understanding of the use of a labyrinth in the Christian context, is incorrect.

Centered in Christ Jesus
Jim

 

[fide]

…

Walking in prayer as the description you posted above, is part of Catholic traditions in contemplative orders going back to the 4th century,

…
Centered in Christ Jesus
Jim

References please, for the history with labyrinths you refer to. I am especially interested to see recommendations of labyrinths from some of the Carmelite masters - John of the Cross, Teresa of Avila, etc. Or Thomas Aquinas. Or Augustine. Or a more recent master or teacher of Catholic spirituality - such as Fr. Garrigou-Lagrange, or Fr. Jordan Aumann. Or Benedict Groeschel.

 

[JimR-OCDS]

References please, for the history with labyrinths you refer to. I am especially interested to see recommendations of labyrinths from some of the Carmelite masters - John of the Cross, Teresa of Avila, etc. Or Thomas Aquinas. Or Augustine. Or a more recent master or teacher of Catholic spirituality - such as Fr. Garrigou-Lagrange, or Fr. Jordan Aumann. Or Benedict Groeschel.

THE HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN LABYRINTHS: There is evidence that labyrinths were walked in the Christian church as early as the 4th century. It may have been earlier, but records before the legalization of Christianity are few, because the church was underground during the persecutions. The Middle Ages were a time of pilgrimages and crusades. Christians considered the Holy City to be the center of the world, symbolizing the Kingdom of Heaven. When the Holy Lands fell to the Saracens, people could not make the grand pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

And from the same website which might be helpful;

IS THE LABYRINTH NEW AGE?: Yes and no. Spirituality is universal. Some new age spirituality parallels the spirituality in other religions. There is a difference between spirituality and theology. Theology is about WHAT to believe. Spirituality is HOW to believe. Pure spirituality is found in every healthy religion. It is universal to all. When theology and spirituality are joined, we have religion. Religion without spirituality is irrelevant theology. Spirituality without theology is irrelevant religion.

The Labyrinth is a purely spiritual exercise. It has nothing to do with theology. It is like the bread and wine at a Eucharist. Eucharist is merely bread and wine until it is consecrated. Others can use the elements in their worship services and it does not affect the validity of the consecrated elements.

When one visits Jerusalem, places that have deep meaning for Jews or Muslims may have a different but deep meaning for Christians. Pagans and practitioners of other religions have used the labyrinth for spiritual walks for many centuries. That history does not take anything away from the practice for Christians when they walk it. In other words, we bring our own theology into it. When we do, it can light up our theology with new and deep insights. Labyrinths are found around the world from China to Peru, North Africa to France. The most popular labyrinths today are the more classical ones such as the Chartres and the Bayeux in France. fr-paul.org/chartres-labyinth.html

St Teresa of Avila and St John of the Cross were masters of Contemplative Prayer. Both are in fact Doctors of the Church.

They don’t write about Labyrinths, but about prayer itself.

All a labyrinth does is serve as a type of outdoor rosary while one prays.

So, because St Teresa and St John of the Cross don’t mention anything about Labyrinth’s, should we not use them ?

They never use the word, “Contemplation,” nor “Contemplative Prayer.” Should we stop using these terms as well ?

Most monastics had some form of outdoor prayer path that they walked while praying.

I remember seeing a photo of a monastery where the path was in the shape of a heart, with a giant crucifix at the top. The monks walked and prayed in silence as they walked along the path, stopping at various points to reflect, meditate and enjoy being on God’s presence.

Anyway, not for me to convince you, but nor should you discourage others from using a labyrinth for the purpose of Christian prayer and meditation, especially when they’re receiving instruction from contemplative orders such as Carmelites or Benedictines.

Jim