Labyrinth

“It is solved by walking.” – Saint Augustine

The labyrinth is an ancient pattern found in many religious traditions in various forms around the globe that helps us journey to our center to connect with the divinity that resides in ourselves, each other, and all of creation. Unlike a maze, with decision points and dead ends, the labyrinth has only one circuitous path to the center. Thus, it is not a puzzle but a walking meditation, an embodied prayer. In addition to its centering effect, walking the labyrinth puts us in touch with the wisdom of our bodies and allows us to slow down and become more aware of the plants surrounding the path, the sky, the air, and the smell of the earth and sea. Additionally, many people walk labyrinths to practice and facilitate spiritual growth and healing.

There are many different types of labyrinths originating in Greece, Rome, India and other places. Mercy by the Sea has a left-handed, seven-circuit labyrinth, constructed of brick and Stony Creek granite. The brick provides the borders for the stone path.

Located on the western end of the property, overlooking Long Island Sound, the labyrinth was conceived by Eugenie Guterch, RSM, designed by landscape architect Laurence Appleton, and constructed by Ted Ozyck in 1998. 

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