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The Labyrinth

Walking the labyrinth clears the mind and gives insight into the spiritual journey. It urges action. It calms people in the throes of life transitions. It helps them see their lives in the context of a path - a pilgrimage. They realize that they are not human beings on a spiritual path but spiritual beings on a human path."

Rev. Dr. Lauren Artress, Veriditas

 

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The Labyrinth

The Bon Secours Labyrinth was built in February of 1999 through the generous donations of many and a grant from TKF Foundation. The Labyrinth is the focal point of a one-acre "sacred space" set aside as Holy Ground to commemorate the 175th anniversary of the founding of the Congregation of Bon Secours of Paris - a religious order of women whose mission is to provide "good help to those in need." Benches scattered throughout the area provide places for rest and reflection as you prepare to enter the labyrinth and quiet after the experience.

Wisdom from the Labyrinth

Both of these comments were written in the journal located underneath a bench near the labyrinth that has been designated by the TKF Foundation, whose grant helped make the labyrinth possible. The journal is available to any and all as they contemplate, travel and experience the labyrinth. We invite you to visit soon and share your thoughts with fellow travelers on the journey.

For more information about the TKF Foundation, visit www.tkffdn.org.

"Lessons of the labyrinth: At first, exhilaration and insight, gifts, a walk with Grace and cool sunlight. Then, a quiet, a peace. The Center of all things. The return rounds grow more difficult. There are no new insights. Sameness. Am I doing this right? Trudging, boredom. There's a lesson in this: To carry your insights and your Grace back to the world takes work. Persistence. One foot in front of the other. Then, sudden, it happens. The end is in sight. Step back to the world and take it all with you. The labyrinth."-- 3.15.08

Before I walked the labyrinth, my mind was clouded and ill at ease. Now, as I bask in the beauty of my surroundings, with the sun on my back and birds singing, the waters of my mind are still." -- 4.5.08

A Sacred Path To Health And Wholeness

The Labyrinth is a symbolic pilgrimage or journey to the divine. It is an archetypal image that is found throughout history - from Ancient Egypt to Crete to Celtic, Scandinavian and Native American cultures.

By walking the Bon Secours Labyrinth, based on the design of the Chartres Labyrinth, laid in the floor of Chartres Cathedral around 1220, we are rediscovering a
long-forgotten mystical tradition that is insisting to be reborn in our day.

Unlike a maze, the labyrinth has only one path which leads to the center and out again. The path winds throughout and becomes a mirror for where we are in our lives; it touches our sorrows and releases our joys. Walk it with an open mind and an open heart.

Share Your Story If you would like to share your Labyrinth story with us,please email: BSSC@bshsi.org or write to: Bon Secours Spiritual Center 1525 Marriottsville Road Marriottsville, MD 21104

The Experience

There are three stages of the walk:

First, as you enter the labyrinth: Purgation. Release and let go of the details of your life, the cares and concerns that keep you distracted and stressed.

Second, as you reach the center: Illumination. Stay there as long as you like. This is a place for clarity and insight. Receive what is there for you.

Third, as you begin the path outward: Union. Bring back to the world a renewed vision and refreshed spirit.

Individuals or small groups are welcome to visit the Labyrinth and walk the grounds (hiking trails, Peace Garden, pond) without a prior reservation (dawn to dusk). We request that guests maintain quiet (not total silence) when walking the grounds as respect for those on retreat or with other groups.

If guests wish to use the restroom, located in the Spiritual Center building near the Labyrinth, they should first come to the Registration Office and check in with the receptionist on duty. Information about the Labyrinth, trails, etc. is also available in the brochure rack in the Lobby, as well as information about our Programs. Parking is available in the visitor's lot at the top of the driveway (to the left) and handicapped parking is available in the Staff/Handicap lot located by the Labyrinth.