Loading...Residents and visitors to the lakes area in western Kentucky may now walk a Chartres-inspired spiritual path of life--that is, a labyrinth that was built and dedicated by the parishioners of St. Peter's of the Lakes Episcopal Church.
Dedicated Sunday June 26, 2011 in conjunction with the church's annual St. Peter's Day festivities, the 45-foot in diameter labyrinth was built this spring and will be open year round. It is wheelchair accessible and designed to appeal to all ages, from youth to senior citizens.
"The labyrinth was created as an act of prayer and service to all who will use it," said the Rev. Nick Jaeger, St. Peter's priest in charge. "It is offered to the wider Marshall County community, all residents and visitors of the lakes area."
The design is a modification of the medieval labyrinth in France's Chartres Cathedral. The St. Peter's labyrinth is a seven-circuit, left-handed design symbolizing reflection, quiet and meditation. The paths are formed with stone dust and dividing lines are made from red solid bricks, recycled from an old building in downtown Mayfield.
The labyrinth, which is located adjacent to the church's memorial gardens, is in a natural, peaceful setting, giving the visitor a simple place to reflect and contemplate. An ancient spiritual tool, the labyrinth is a universal image representing the path of life; winding in toward the center and out again, to mimic a pilgrim's journey with God, said Jaeger. "It is a symbolic trek in the form of a walking meditation. Walking the path is a sacred ritual that can provide insights, courage and understanding in facing life's challenges."
The labyrinth is found in various forms in all religious traditions around the world and throughout history. According to Jaeger, the labyrinth is not the same as a maze. "There are no tricks to it and no dead ends. The labyrinth has only one path leading in and out. If you make a misstep, you will simply end up at the center or at the beginning." St. Peter's of the Lakes Episcopal Church serves Livingston, Lyon, Caldwell and Trigg counties, as well as Marshall County, its location.
The church is situated at 47 Black River Road, just off Highway 641, north of Draffenville. It is near the entrance to Kentucky Dam Village State Park. "Just take a turn at the flag," noted Jaeger.
