On May 2, people around the world observe World Labyrinth Day—not with big gatherings or fanfare, but with a simple act: walking a labyrinth. It’s a quiet practice. And for many, a needed one.
At St. Paul’s Monastery, that invitation connects naturally to our Benedictine way of life. St. Benedict begins his Rule with a call to listen with the ear of the heart. That kind of listening doesn’t happen when we’re rushed or distracted. It takes intention. It takes space. The labyrinth offers both.
Our full-size Chartres-style labyrinth was recently refurbished in granite, thanks to the generosity of a donor and the steady work of several volunteers. Our labyrinth is a vital part of the Monastery grounds. It is a place that invites you to slow down and pay attention—to your breath, your thoughts, and the quiet presence of God.
If you’ve never walked a labyrinth before, it’s worth knowing what it is—and what it isn’t. It’s not a maze. There’s nothing to solve, no wrong turns to correct. There is one path that leads you to the center and then back out again. In many ways, it mirrors the rhythm of the spiritual life itself: we don’t move in straight lines, and yet we are still being led.
That rhythm is deeply Benedictine. We return, again and again—to prayer, to community, to ourselves. Stability doesn’t mean standing still; it means staying rooted long enough for something meaningful to take shape. The labyrinth gives you a way to practice that.
Last summer, the space has also been enriched by a meaningful gift from the Gelbmann family—two new benches placed at the labyrinth in honor of their parents, Benedictine oblates of Saint John’s Abbey. Their lives were shaped by this same Benedictine rhythm of prayer and presence, and these benches now offer others a place to pause, reflect, and rest.
The labyrinth is open and available most days. If you plan to visit, simply check in at the front desk before heading out onto the grounds. You don’t need a plan or a script. Come as you are. Walk at your own pace. Let the path do its quiet work.
For those who would appreciate a more guided experience, we are excited to offer three facilitated labyrinth walks this summer through the Benedictine Center, led by Lisa Mer. These gatherings create a gentle structure for entering into the experience more intentionally—rooted in reflection, silence, and shared space.
You can learn more or register here:
https://benedictinecenter.secure.retreat.guru/program/walking-the-labyrinth/
There’s a lot competing for our attention right now. The Benedictine tradition offers a different way—one that values listening, presence, and a steady return to what matters most.
The labyrinth is one simple way to begin.
Make space for what matters! You are welcome here.
