Dear Catholic Exchange:
What is walking a labyrinth? Is it in scripture? Is It approved by the Catholic Church? by the Holy Father?
God Bless Linda
Dear Linda,
Peace in Christ!
In ancient times, labyrinths were complicated arrangements of paths and passages. They were usually subterranean with intricate patterns of corridors, rooms, winding passages, etc., so as to render getting out of them very difficult. As an architectural term, the labyrinth has its roots in the famous ancient or mythic labyrinths of Crete and Egypt. The Church apparently baptized them to encourage faith and trust in God, whether regarding difficult trials or the long journey of life as a whole.
Labyrinths made of various pieces of colored marble were placed in the pavement of French Cathedrals. One of the most striking of the remaining labyrinths of this type can be found in the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Chartres. A person following the various windings and turns of the labyrinth walks nearly 800 feet before he reaches the center, even though the circumference of the figure is less than 13 yards. These labyrinths are believed to have originated in symbolic allusion to the Holy City (Jerusalem), with prayers and devotions prayed as the labyrinth was negotiated.
Hampton Court in Great Britain, with its impressive arrangement of tall and thick hedges, is a more modern expression of the traditional labyrinth.
Most recently, labyrinths known as circles of meditation have become popular. These are not mazes like the traditional labyrinths. Instead, they provide one long and winding path — “circuits” of increasingly smaller circles — in which one can walk to and from the center of the labyrinth, reflecting and meditating along the way. They are typically located in quiet, serene areas to aid the meditative process; they usually feature shrubbery as decoration. These circles of meditation seem to be gaining popularity at hospitals, which are installing them to aid a more holistic healing process.
Like other symbols and walking paths, labyrinths in themselves are not morally problematic. For more discussion on symbols, see our Faith Facts on The Enneagram and Signs and Symbols. The Church has shown that labyrinths can be used for good. How one is used is the question. Some people are concerned with New Age connections. If labyrinths are used to promote pantheistic or other problematic beliefs, then people should be redirected toward legitimate prayer. (See our Faith Fact on The New Age Movement.)
If a particular labyrinth becomes a center for New Age activity, Catholics should look for another place to pray because of the negative spirits and spirituality that will be associated with that labyrinth. If such activity is going on at a Church-sponsored labyrinth, the proper Church authorities should be notified so that the praying area can be purged of such misguided worship.
United in the Faith,
Eric Stoutz
Information Specialist
Catholics United for the Faith
827 North Fourth Street
Steubenville, OH 43952
800-MY-FAITH (800-693-2484)
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