Exploring the Labyrinth

Posted on 02. May, 2019, in Christian Values, Community, Environment, Gospel Values, Nature1 Comment

Piaras Jackson SJ, director of Manresa Jesuit Centre of Spirituality in Dublin talks about World Labyrinth Day on Saturday, 4 May 2019. He describes the centre’s own labyrinth next to the coastline, among mature trees and in grassland that becomes a meadow in the summer. He also gives a brief history of labyrinths and points to their deeper spiritual meaning in the Christian tradition.

Referring to the one-way in and out system of labyrinths, he says: “You’re not so much attending to finding your way as you’re on a deeper level looking and seeing in what way does this compare to my life’s path… so it’s something that is offered as a spiritual tool”. “In Christian understanding,” he says, “they’ve been used pretty much from the early centuries as a way of becoming interior, becoming a little more reflective…”

Manresa’s labyrinth, cut into the grass, is an eleven-circuit pattern popularised by Chartres Cathedral in France. The event on Saturday from 10am to 5pm will be marked by a day offering information, reflection and guided labyrinth-walking as well as opportunity for space and reflection. The Manresa website » contains more information on the event, along with a link to the spirituality centre’s labyrinth and a ‘labyrinth locator’ world-wide.

He explains more to Pat Coyle.

One response to “Exploring the Labyrinth”

  1. Soline Humbert says:

    Though not mentioned in the useful online labyrinth locator,there is a beautiful labyrinth in stone in the grounds of the Catholic Church in Na Forbacha(Furbo),co Galway.It is on the main coastal road to An Spidéal(Spiddle).Open to all,at all times.I am grateful for all the times I have been able to walk it.