In Alexandria, Minnesota, the First Congregational Church has established a permanent labyrinth, reflecting a blend of joy and sorrow. This ancient form of walking meditation offers a spiritual practice that encourages reflection and connection with the divine. The labyrinth, inspired by the renowned Chartres Cathedral, serves as a symbolic journey towards spiritual renewal.
Marcie Watson, a retired Lutheran spiritual director, alongside Rev. Dr. Jill Sanders, clarifies the difference between a labyrinth and a maze. “A labyrinth is not a maze,” Watson emphasizes. “It has one path in and the same path out. It is designed for walking meditation, allowing individuals to focus on their thoughts as they navigate the path.” Sanders adds, “It’s embodied prayer,” highlighting the active nature of this sacred practice.
Participants enter the labyrinth to relinquish worries and concerns, moving towards the center, which symbolizes a connection with the divine. Watson notes that the design encourages individuals to experience God’s presence in a physical and meaningful way. This approach to prayer resonates with those who find traditional sitting and silence challenging. “I don’t sit still well,” Sanders admits, explaining how movement facilitates her connection with spirituality.
The practice of walking prayer has roots in the Middle Ages when pilgrims sought to journey to the Holy Land. Due to the dangers of travel, many cathedrals, including Chartres, incorporated labyrinths into their designs as a symbolic pilgrimage. “It’s not a magical thing,” Watson states. “It’s a tool to help us focus our minds and hearts on God.”
The journey to create a permanent labyrinth in Alexandria began about four years ago. The church borrowed a canvas labyrinth for a community event on Ash Wednesday. During this time, Dr. Mike Mosleth, a retired physician interested in holistic healing, engaged with the labyrinth and subsequently became involved with the church community. This connection deepened during a pilgrimage to Ireland in 2024, where Mosleth tragically passed away from a medical emergency.
Following his death, Mosleth’s family approached Sanders with the idea of creating a memorial. “I mentioned the labyrinth, and they expressed a desire to provide one as a permanent fixture for the community,” Sanders recalls. The Mosleth family funded the entire project, which amounted to approximately $7,000. Their generosity ensured that the labyrinth would be accessible to all.
The church enlisted Lisa Moriarty, an artist associated with The Labyrinth Society, to paint the labyrinth. “We had to remove asbestos from the floor before laying down new flooring,” Sanders explains. Moriarty completed the painting in just two and a half days, and the labyrinth was finished ahead of schedule by the third week in October 2023.
As the labyrinth opens to the community, church leaders are working to ensure it remains accessible to everyone. “I can only imagine how pleased Mike would be to see this,” Sanders reflects. “This space was where he connected with our church, and the labyrinth embodies his vision for holistic healing.”
The labyrinth not only serves as a spiritual tool but also as a testament to the community’s ability to come together in times of loss. The Mosleth family’s commitment to creating a permanent space for reflection and healing speaks volumes about their father’s legacy and the impact he had on those around him. As the community begins to embrace this new sacred space, it stands as a reminder of the enduring power of connection, healing, and faith.
