On Sunday, October 2, 2005, the dedication of our Meditation Garden took place following the 10:00 AM Mass.  This culminated a year of welcoming of the former Immaculate Conception Parishioners to the St. Mary Parish Family.  The ceremony included a blessing By Fr. Dick and an explanation of the Labyrinth, an integral component of this beautiful memorial, by the garden designer Deidre Crowley, Landscape Architect.   Fellowship coffee followed in the Gathering Room.

The statue of Mary that stood majestically over the entrance of the Immaculate Conception Church in Winchester now has a position of honor and prestige in this garden.  Stone benches, pathways, shrubs, flowering plants appropriately placed within the garden create a calming and relaxing environment for those who wish to visit, reflect, or contemplate.

To the Immaculate Conception Parishioners who have joined us to worship, we thank you.  It is our prayer that this garden will in a small way help heal the hurt of your loss and help unite us as one faith-filled family.  All are welcome in this place. 

The Meditation Garden contains a labyrinth as a conduit to meditation and spiritual replenishment. Archeologists believe labyrinths date back 4,500 years, though no physical evidence survives. It is believed their designs evolved from universal patterns found in nature. The paths weave back and forth between quadrants, creating mystery within the walk. All are designed with a single meandering path that leads to the center. The path is traveled in reverse for the outbound journey.

One of the most famous labyrinths is of medieval construct, adorning the floor of France's Chartres Cathedral.  Several other Boston area churches use labyrinths and Boston College built a permanent labyrinth of stone as a monument to alumni killed in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Click here for additional information on how to use the labyrinth.

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