The Ursuline Center has prepared a portion of its landscape into a labyrinth or sacred walk. The labyrinth is a patterned path, often circular, used for a walking meditation. The labyrinth’s walkway is arranged in such a way, that the participant moves back and forth across the circular form through a series of curves, ending at the labyrinth’s heart or center. The labyrinth has only one entrance and leads only in one direction.
The labyrinth does not engage the walker’s thinking mind; rather, it invites the walker to enter into a spiritual walk.
The Ursuline Center is located at 4280 Shields Rd. Canfield Ohio, on the grounds of the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown.
The Center invites participants to walk the labyrinth to reawaken interest in their specific religious tradition. For more information, contact Sister Janet Frantz, OSU at 330.799.4941.
Thank you for the opportunity to spend some quiet time. I am refreshed and renewed as a mother, wife and caregiver.
Thank you for such a beautiful addition to the grounds. What a peaceful surrounding to the Labyrinth.
I have walked the labyrinth in other places. I am glad that there is one here in the greater Youngstown area. Fall is a beautiful time to take a walk and the labyrinth on the property of the Ursulines will be spectacular.
I am a professor of World Religions and several of my students have benefitted with their friends by walking the labyrinth. It enables them to have a few minutes of quiet centering or focus whatever their faith traditions.
-The Labyrinth truly is a sacred place. It gives peace to one who walks the walk. I am proud to be a part of this experience. I hope it helps many who come to this “Holy Ground”
Dear Tree,
Thanks for all the updates and news.
my boyfreind, best friend and I had a moment of silence before we entered. After entering we walked for awhile without speaking, walking in a single file line thru the twists and turn of the labyrinth. Walking further we named three things we were grateful for. Mine being my best friend, boyfriend, and the fall colors. It still amazes me how beautiful the trees are this time of year! As we reached the middle, we once again practiced silence. Sitting on the cold benches;eyes closed and wind blowing across our faces. We sat in silence for a good while, then headed for the outward path. Twisting and turning, circling and winding we walked grateful and humbled.
I recently went to the Labyrinth with my husband Art. At first glance it seemed smaller than I had expected but once the walk began, I quickly realized it was not at all a short distance. I tried to clear my mind to begin what my friend Tom describes as “walking meditation” practiced by Buddhist monks. The afternoon was blue and sunny and the smell of autumn air reminded me that days like this were numbered. The sound of children playing and the rustling of the trees were the only sounds I heard. We walked in single file, not uttering a word. I felt a sense of peace and calm come over my usually high strung self as I stared at the winding path. I concentrated on each step until I felt the urge to remove my shoes; I quietly removed them and felt the warm pavement under my feet. I walked along the shadows of crucifixes as I thought of my God and how thankful I was for my life and his blessings. This was a truly inspirational experience and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn of it. I am planning another walk with my daughter soon.
Congratulations to the Ursulines for fulfilling a dream – to Jack Donadee and his construction team for the creation of the most beautiful, user-friendly prayer walk I have ever seen in my experience of labyrinth prayer walks. Sharing their resources for the spiritual well-being of others is part of the Ursuline charism – “When your gifts meet a need and there is an explosion of grace – that is charism.” May this addition to the Ursuline Center be an explosion of grace for those who seek to walk with God on this sacred path. Thank You and Kudos to the dreamers and the Ursuline Center Board.
this labyrinth is one of the most beautiful i’ve seen. congratualtions to the ursuline sisters. another job well done.