Friday, May 21, 2010
More than 100 people from the Valley and as far away as Salem, Kent and Ravenna attended the “Welcome to the Walk” event May 16 at the Ursuline Center in Canfield.
The Ursuline Center offered the free event so area residents could discover its new labyrinth, which is now open for use for the warm weather season.
“It was beyond my expectations. Now there’s a place for people to come to release the stress of the day and find quiet, to get in touch with God in their own way,” said Sister Therese Ann Rich, director of the Ursuline Center.
Karen Bernard of Austintown agrees. She and her 6-year-old daughter, Gianna, were among those who participated in the event. As a busy wife and mother of two young children who also cares for elderly relatives, she said life can become hectic, but walking the labyrinth, “made me feel centered, very peaceful and focused.”
“Everyone who came made a discovery today, and those discoveries are as unique as each individual. The people who came were happy to be here,” said Eileen W. Novotny, Ursuline associate.
The labyrinth at the Ursuline Center is open daily dawn-to-dusk. The labyrinth is designed to be used by families, groups and individuals of all ages and faiths. The labyrinth is handicapped accessible and has adequate parking.
Presentations were offered for anyone interested in learning the history of labyrinths throughout the day. After each presentation, participants were invited to explore the labyrinth on their own or with a facilitator.
Refreshments and the chance to reflect on the unique experience of walking the labyrinth through talking or writing were available.