By Rosemary Lewallen
The Labyrinth Walk on June 15th celebrated its 20th Anniversary. It was a powerful spiritual event that touched the hearts of the 40 participants who attended. The evening started with a welcome by Monica Kovach, Chair of the Labyrinth Ministry. Then, a brief film was shown which explained the history of the labyrinth in the church and how it can be used as a tool for contemplative prayer. Next, Father Romeo Ascan, AM, offered a prayer and blessing of the labyrinth. Afterwards, the participants walked the labyrinth in hushed reverence.
The theme of this labyrinth was a quote from St. Irenaeus, the patron saint of our parish. “It is not you that shapes God, God shapes you. You are the work of God. Await the hand of the artist who does all things in due season. Offer God your heart, soft and pliable; and keep the form in which the Artist has fashioned you. Let your clay be moist lest you grow hard and lose the imprint of God’s fingers.” (St. Irenaeus) Each participant was encouraged to place their thumbprint in soft clay, provided by St. Irenaeus Health Ministry, which will be made into a commemorative plaque to remember this special day. This will serve as a reminder that we need to keep our hearts soft and pliable to be ready to receive God’s imprint upon them.
A small gift bag that included the St. Irenaeus quote and a tiny red heart was given to participants. There were also free handmade prayer shawls, made by the Shawl Ministry. Each stitch was created with a prayer. If you are interested in joining or supporting the Labyrinth Ministry or the Shawl Ministry, contact Health Ministry Co-Facilitator, Nurse Jennifer Dagarag, at 714-826-0760.