The Catholic Church of St. Gabriel in Fayetteville will offer a series of Labyrinth Walks designed to serve as a Lenten Pilgrimage which will begin on Ash Wednesday and continue throughout the Lenten season.

Event facilitator Nickie Jantzer says the labyrinth has been around for centuries and is found in most major countries, cultures and religions. This particular application is a Christian one, Jantzer says.

“Set aside a time to join us for this Lenten pilgrimage,” she said. “We will be using the ancient pattern of the labyrinth as a walking meditation — in a Christian setting — to walk a little closer with Jesus, to set aside time in a sacred space for just you and God this Lenten season. Jesus asks us to set aside time to pray with him, just as he did his apostles in the Garden of Gethsemane.”

The canvas labyrinth pattern to be used at St. Gabriel’s is an octagonal path from the Notre Dame Cathedral in Reims, France. It is similar to two patterns in the Notre Dame Cathedrals of Amiens and St. Quentin, France, which are still in use today.

“The significance of the octagon,” Jantzer says, “is one of renewal and transformation. It is the shape of many baptismal fonts in Christian churches, including our very own. Let the walk and prayer activities transform and renew your faith this Holy Lenten season.”

St. Gabriel’s also will offer other opportunities during lent, including Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, Stations of the Cross and fellowship opportunities of fish fries, soup suppers and a Seder meal.

Walks are scheduled for each week of Lent and include Ash Wednesday, Feb. 21; Thursday, March 1; Tuesday, March 6; Tuesday, March 13; Thursday, March 22; Tuesday, March 27; and Wednesday of Holy Week, April 4.

The Taize choir from Our Lady of Mercy Catholic High School will perform Tuesday, March 13, for both Mass and a candlelight labyrinth walk following.

Walks will be held at 135 Antioch Road off Ga. Hwy. 92, in the third building on the east side of Antioch Road (red brick) next to the new sanctuary.

All walks will be held in the main room of the multipurpose building from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and participants may come anytime and stay for as long as they desire. Anyone old enough to respect the quiet and sacredness of prayer is welcome.

Jantzer says it would be helpful to bring a pair of clean white or light colored socks and she will have some available. Wheelchairs and walkers can be accommodated.

Jantzer says, “It is my intent to eventually offer this to everyone/anyone, and to show some different applications ... as no one can claim it as ‘theirs’ alone. Aside from any religious or spiritual uses, I have found it very appropriate for conflict resolution, for inner work, relaxation, exercise and stress reduction on a personal level, as well as spiritual growth.”

In addition, Jantzer added, the labyrinth is being used in health care settings, schools, prisons, many areas where people can be afforded a “time-in” ... a time “set aside.”

Those who have questions may reach Jantzer at 678-860-6425.

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