The Peace Labyrinth at St. Mary on the Lake
Visit the Peace Labyrinth
All guests of the Peace & Spirituality Center, whether day retreatants, overnight retreatants, or event attendees, are welcome to walk the labyrinth during their stay and find stillness, clarity, and peace in the midst of their busy lives. However, if you are passing through and would like to visit the labyrinth, we warmly invite you to do so. Since the labyrinth is located within the home of the Sisters and the Center operates on an appointment-only basis, we kindly ask that you make a reservation to confirm availability.
Please click the button below to request a visit.
The Peace Labyrinth: A Path to Inner Stillness
The Peace Labyrinth at St. Mary-on-the-Lake is a 3/4 replica of the historic labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral in France, generously gifted by Margaret Gorman.
Set within the serene grounds of St. Mary on the Lake, this sacred path offers visitors a space for prayer, reflection, and personal spiritual journeys. Inspired by centuries of tradition, the Peace Labyrinth invites all to experience a journey of inner peace and contemplation, regardless of their faith background.
A Path for All Faiths
Across world religions—whether Christian, Islamic, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, or many others—there are countless ways to pray. Each tradition holds its own unique practices, but all share a common core: the mind must quiet, and the heart must open, allowing us to listen and respond from the deepest, wisest part of ourselves. The labyrinth invites people to walk its path, embracing this ancient practice as a means of reconnecting with their inner stillness, gaining clarity, and finding spiritual renewal in a way that aligns with their own beliefs and traditions.
How the Labyrinth Can Serve You
Walking the labyrinth can help quiet the distractions of daily life and open you to a space of prayer, contemplation, or mindfulness. Whether you are seeking clarity, offering prayers, or simply looking to reconnect with your inner self, the labyrinth provides a sacred space where you can slow down and engage in a personal and spiritual journey. With no wrong turns and no dead ends, the labyrinth encourages you to embrace the path as it unfolds, allowing each step to bring deeper peace and clarity.
History and Rediscovery of the Labyrinth
Labyrinths have been part of human history for over 4,000 years and have found a home in nearly every religious tradition around the world. The Peace Labyrinth is modeled on the famous labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral, which was created around 1220 A.D. as a symbol of pilgrimage to the holy city of Jerusalem. In recent times, Dr. Lauren Artress, an Episcopal priest and psychotherapist, has led the rediscovery of the labyrinth as a tool for spiritual growth and renewal. At the Peace Labyrinth, we honor this ancient tradition, offering a space where seekers can find solace and a sense of belonging.