Labyrinth walk

FULL MOON WALKS
Guided labyrinth walks under the full moon are followed by refreshments and an opportunity to meet parishioners from Saint Philip’s. The next walk will take place at 7:00pm on Saturday, October 28.

Most labyrinths are based on the circular labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral in France, but Saint Philip’s labyrinth is based on the octagonal labyrinth at Amiens Cathedral—also in France.

WALKING THE LABYRINTH
Walking the labyrinth is not strenuous and can be done at a pace that suits your physical and spiritual needs. It is a meditative activity and can help to deal with personal difficulties, to remember loved ones, or just for relaxation.

Saint Philip’s labyrinth has nine joined pathways that lead to the fountain. You are invited to take a few moments to clear your mind with a prayer before entering the labyrinth.

With the church at your back, enter the labyrinth and follow the path toward the center. Walk at your own pace and pause, slow down, or pass others by stepping quietly to the path on the left or right and then back to your original path. For your benefit, as well as others, please maintain silence during your walk.

Depending on your pace, you will arrive at the fountain—the center of the labyrinth—in about 15-25 minutes. You can sit beside the fountain and meditate or read something you brought with you for the journey. Remain in the center as long as you wish. It is a place for clarity and insight.

For a full labyrinth experience, exit the labyrinth on the same path by which you entered. But if you are tired or do not have time, you can leave directly across the other paths.

You are encouraged to spend some time outside the labyrinth in reflection and meditation before you leave. With the challenges and concerns of our busy lives, the labyrinth offers a way to journey in faith and to find stillness and rest.

HISTORY
Do you know that Saint Philip’s labyrinth contains more than 7,000 bricks? It was completed in April 2012 and is located in the Fountain Plaza just south of the church’s Great Doors.

COMMEMORATIVE BRICKS
Saint Philip’s labyrinth was paid for with donations in the form of engraved bricks that commemorate deceased loved ones or special events, such as weddings, births, baptisms, or other personal memories. There are already more than 500 bricks in place, so there is still space for more. If you would like to order a brick for your personal memory, then visit the table in the Perry Garden on Sundays from 8:30am-11:30am.