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Labyrinth
A brief explanation of "labyrinth"
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The ancient labyrinth design found
in Chartres Cathedral in France |
The labyrinth is a powerful, complex design which has been found to exist in civilizations as far back as 5000 years. Most scholars think that ancient peoples used the labyrinth to celebrate their relationship to life, nature, and the world. Various forms of this sacred circle can be found in all religious traditions throughout the world.
The ancient wisdom of the labyrinth becomes a spiritual tool for those on the journey of life today. It can assist us to connect with our Spirit. It is a symbol of unity and wholeness; the winding path that takes us into the center and out again becomes a metaphor for our own spiritual journey. |
Next planned event:
Labyrinth of Remembrance and Thanksgiving
Honoring All Saints/All Souls
5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, 2007
on the indoor labyrinth
6501 Almeda Rd.
Bring with you a memento of your loved ones
to place among the icons surrounding the labyrinth
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Lenten Labyrinth- Meditations on the Scripture
for the following Sunday
Thursdays in Lent:
Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28, March 6, 13, 2008
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Individuals are invited to use the outdoor labyrinth at any time.
To schedule group events or to borrow the indoor canvas labyrinth
please call Sr. Carletta at 713-747-3310, ex331
Dominican Sisters Outdoor Labyrinth
6501 Almeda Rd.
Houston, TX
On the indoor Labyrinth
Labyrinth Committee: Annette Dworsky, Margaret Harle, Heloise Cruzat,
Lauren Lindee, JoAnn Niehaus, Carletta LaCour, Deborah Clark, Mary Brenda.
Not pictured: Adrian Dover, Antoinette Carter (chair).
For the schedule of other future labyrinth events, click here
Indoor labyrinth in the Dominican Sisters Meeting Room
Outdoor labyrinth at
6501 Almeda Road
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The Dominican Sisters view the labyrinth circle as very much in harmony with Dominican spirituality. Our focus is on contemplation and the sharing of its fruits with others. The labyrinth walk facilitates contemplation through movement. The inward path of reflection leads us to our center. In the center, we ask for the insight and self-knowledge that will open us to embrace the outward journey of gentle, transformed and compassionate action.
On September 29, 2001 - Founders' Day in Texas for our community - the Dominican Sisters blessed a beautiful indoor labyrinth canvas made by Robert Ferre, master labyrinth maker, Labyrinth Enterprises - St. Louis (www.labyrinthproject.com). This labyrinth is based on the 11-circuit labyrinth design in the floor of 13th century Chartres Cathedral in France.
During October, 2002, installation of a permanent outdoor labyrinth began. This outdoor labyrinth, constructed with pavers, was done by Marty Kermeen of Artistic Pavers, Plano, IL (www.artpaver.com). Robert Ferre was on site in November, using a stain process to complete the path, center and lunation designs characteristic of the Chartres labyrinth. The labyrinth diameter is 47'; its colors are earth tones selected in harmony with the Dominican Sisters' motherhouse buildings at 6501 Almeda Road. Memorial landscaping features three beautiful tree areas designed to offer shade, seating and color.
The Dominican Sisters' labyrinth outreach ministry provides a sanctuary and oasis of calm, peace, and transformation on the motherhouse grounds. With the availability of both indoor and outdoor labyrinths, many in the greater Houston area will be able to have the sacred experience of prayerful walking as a creative tool for healing and spiritual enlightenment. The Dominican Sisters are adjacent to the Catholic Diocesan facilities and within three minutes of Houston's Medical Center. Being a labyrinth community enables outreach both to immediate neighbors and to the adjacent medical and healing communities. |
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