LABYRINTH

By: Jaclyn Sheridan
Posted In: News

For centuries, the labyrinth has been used as a symbol of contemplation and reflection, a representation of discovery and the soul’s walk through life. The quiet serenity of the ancient maze can now be experienced on campus, as Salve Regina’s labyrinth is completed and open for meditative use by the university community.

Thoughts of a campus labyrinth surfaced and developed over the past year, as faculty and staff made mention of how beneficial one would be.

“It was a confluence of ideas,” Sister Leona Misto said. She worked with a committee that included John Rok, Peggy Matteson, Victoria Duclos Barrett and Mary Elizabeth Butler to foster questions of the sacred space, such as its pattern, size, and location.

The labyrinth was completed in late August and early September, carefully nestled under the cathedral-like cover of trees on the Wakehurst property. It is used by faculty, staff, students, and passersby as a means of centering the self. The endless curves and diverse paths that approach the middle benefit concentration and quiet reflection.

“Walking the path, everybody should get something different out of it,” Misto said. She explained that having a symbol like the labyrinth on campus is a way to reach out to all faiths and promote diversity, and also supports the university mission of striving toward a world that just, harmonious and merciful.

“Life is not a straight line,” said Misto, “Thank goodness it’s not! And we need to find a little place to be peaceful.”

Escape the chaos of the everyday to contemplate your place in the world. Experience the labyrinth.