Eco
Group opens 'pathway to prayer'
The
Eco Group has revived an ages-old Christian "pathway
to prayer" with a new outdoor labyrinth on the Baden
grounds.
The
50-yard-wide circular maze invites visitors to walk the
pathways as they connect with creation and nature. Modeled
after one in Chartres, France, the 18-inch-wide grass paths
within the maze are rimmed with more than 1,000 red clay
bricks, each set by hand in to a bed of small pebbles.
The
labyrinth, which metaphorically represents a pilgrim's journey,
opens an avenue of prayer, reflection, or meditation for
the sisters, retreat participants, Villa St. Joseph residents,
and other visitors. The entrance of the labyrinth offers
a message of "peace" to all who enter.
From
the concept phase to groundbreaking, the 14-month project
was coordinated by Sisters Lyn Szymkiewicz and Cindy Comiskey.
They described the project as a very practical and tangible
one that embraces the Sisters of St. Joseph's charism of
unity, connection, and commitment to Earth.
The
Sisters conducted research and sought advice from the Humility
of Mary Sisters who two years ago created a labyrinth on
their grounds at Villa Maria, Pa. The Eco Group eventually
selected a circular pattern with a grass path. "We
decided we wanted to touch Earth when walking because it
has a calming effect on the body and spirit — unlike stones
or rocks," Sr. Lyn said.
The
labyrinth is situated directly behind the Motherhouse, just
to the right of the large path that leads to the cemetery.
The site was selected because it is fairly level, easily
accessible, and receives a balance of sun and shade.
To
begin the outdoor work for the project, the Sisters used
field chalk to mark the inner circle. They tied rope from
a post anchored in the center and used it to measure, mark
and paint a series of circles to complete the pattern.
With
the design as a guide, six members of the Eco Group began
the task of hand-digging troughs to create edging lines
along the pathways. Sisters Ruth Weiss, Sue Clay, Carolyn
Wiethorn, Sherryl White offered their helping hands to Sisters
Lyn and Cindy. Working a few hours at a time, they placed
small riverbed gravel in the troughs and carefully embedded
one brick at a time. The brick laying began in April and
was completed on November 26 when a dedication ceremony
marked the occasion.
"I
would hope that people in the community might come to know
of the labyrinth's availability as a means of prayer and
come to bless as well as to be blessed by our grounds,"
Sister Lyn said.
