Labyrinth
What exactly is a labyrinth? Unlike a maze, the labyrinth is unicursal, having a single path leading to the center with no loops, cul-de-sacs or forks. Labyrinths are described by how many concentric circuits or paths they contain. They can measure from a few inches to hundreds of feet wide.
The Chestnut Ridge labyrinth is 50-foot in diameter and located in our woods with a view of the lake.
The labyrinth walk is available for prayer, meditation, contemplation or personal growth. It is popular with a growing number of people because of its simplicity and the ability to approach its paths on your own terms. There is not a “required way” to walk the labyrinth. The beauty of the labyrinth is that people can approach the experience in their own way.
We hope that you will consider spending some time during your next retreat or event in quiet reflection on the labyrinth. Please take a moment to share your thoughts and prayers in the journal located in the information booth at the labyrinth.
Stations of the Cross Trail
What are the Stations of the Cross? The Stations of the Cross are a series of artistic representations depicting events leading up to Jesus’ death on the cross. As a person makes their way past each station, they will meditate and pray about that event. This devotional practice is most utilized during the season of Lent and Holy Week, which commemorates the final days of Jesus’ life.
This practice has been around since early Christians visited the Holy Land in the 400s. In the 1300s, the Franciscans began to promote this type of devotion in earnest in the Holy Land. Since then, it has become a common practice, especially in Catholic churches.
The Stations of the Cross Trail at Chestnut Ridge allows you to journey through Holy Week with Christ. The trail itself is fairly short and easy, meandering through the forest and along a creek. Etched glass carvings depicting the life of Christ in his final days are spread over several different stations. Laminated Stations of the Cross guides are located in a sheltered box at the beginning of the trail. These guides will assist you in your spiritual reflection as you walk the Stations of the Cross Trail.